‘Albanese can’t believe his luck’: Where to now for chaotic Nats? – The Australian

The opposition Liberal-National Coalition in Australia is facing significant turmoil following a split over its response to the death of former Indigenous Affairs Minister Ken Wyatt. The division has raised questions about the leadership of Sussan Ley and the future direction of the Nationals.

Coalition Division and Leadership Challenges

The catalyst for the current crisis was a disagreement over whether to support a motion acknowledging Wyatt’s contributions and the need for constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australians. Nationals leader David Littleproud directed his party room to abstain from voting on the motion, a decision that prompted a revolt from several Coalition MPs, including some Nationals.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has reportedly expressed surprise at the disarray within the opposition, stating, “I can’t believe my luck.”

Sussan Ley’s Leadership in Question

Senior Liberals have indicated that Sussan Ley’s leadership is now “all but over” as a result of the split. The disagreement highlights the ongoing tensions within the Coalition and the difficulty in forging a unified position on key issues.

Commentators suggest the fault for the situation lies primarily with David Littleproud’s decision to instruct his party room to abstain from the vote. The move was described as “foolish and stupid” and has been seen as a misstep that exacerbated existing divisions.

Hanson’s Role and Future Implications

Some observers believe that One Nation leader Pauline Hanson may benefit from the Coalition’s disarray. Hanson’s party could potentially gain further influence if the mainstream parties continue to struggle with internal divisions.

The optics of the situation are considered “diabolical” for both the Liberals and Nationals, particularly given the context of a supposed day of mourning for Wyatt. The incident has raised questions about the opposition’s ability to present a cohesive and respectful front on important national issues.