Micah Jonah
February 8, 2026
Australia’s conservative opposition coalition has reunited after weeks of internal division triggered by disagreements over newly passed hate speech laws introduced following the deadly Bondi mass shooting.
The coalition, made up of the Liberal Party and its long-time partner, the National Party, formally restored ties on Sunday after the Nationals withdrew last month in protest against the Liberals’ support for the centre-left Labor government’s anti-hate legislation.
Speaking at a joint media briefing in Canberra, Opposition Leader, Sussan Ley said the parties had resolved their differences and were now focused on rebuilding public confidence, presenting a united front ahead of future political contests.
“The coalition is back together and looking to the future, not to the past,” Ley declared, standing alongside National Party leader David Littleproud.
The split followed the passage of the hate speech laws enacted after a mass shooting at Bondi Beach in December that claimed 15 lives. While the Liberal Party backed the legislation, some National Party lawmakers opposed it, arguing it raised concerns over free expression and regional interests.
Littleproud acknowledged the disagreement but described it as a policy-based dispute rather than a breakdown of values. He said both parties recognised the importance of unity in countering political and electoral pressures.
The opposition coalition has faced mounting challenges in recent months, including rising support for populist and anti-immigration parties, as well as significant seat losses suffered by the Liberals in last year’s landslide election victory by the Labor Party.
Political analysts say the reunion is a strategic move to stabilize the opposition, regain footing among rural and urban voters, as Australia navigates heightened social tensions and legislative reforms following recent security crises.
The coalition’s leadership pledged renewed cooperation, signalling a reset aimed at strengthening its role as a viable alternative government.
