Coalition Set to Reunite After Last-Minute Deal Between Liberals and Nationals: Reports

Melbourne, February 8: Australia’s political landscape is set for another dramatic turn, with the Liberal Party and the National Party reportedly on the verge of reuniting their Coalition after last-minute breakthrough talks. Multiple reports indicate that an agreement could be formally announced on Sunday, less than a month after the two parties parted ways amid internal divisions.

Shadow Employment Spokesperson Tim Wilson confirmed that “significant steps” had been made towards a deal, based on the discussions he has been involved in. Speaking on Sky News’ Sunday Agenda, Wilson said the final decision now rests with Liberal leader Sussan Ley and Nationals leader David Littleproud. “We’ll wait and see later in the day,” he added.

Nationals leader David Littleproud, however, stopped short of confirming a reunion just hours before a key deadline set by Ms Ley. Speaking on Weekend Today, he reiterated that the Nationals had been consistent in their position. “We made it very clear from the start that if our shadow ministers who crossed the floor were reinstated, then the Coalition could come back together. We’ve been very consistent all the way through,” Mr Littleproud said. He added that he did not want to pre-empt any announcement.

The Coalition split for the second time in less than a year in January following divisions over the Albanese government’s hate speech laws. The rift deepened after three Nationals senators voted against the Coalition’s agreed position on the post-Bondi legislation, triggering renewed tensions between the parties.

Liberal leader Sussan Ley later outlined conditions for reunification, including a six-month “sin bin” for the rebel Nationals frontbenchers who crossed the floor. She also made temporary shadow cabinet appointments to replace Nationals members who vacated their positions after the split, warning that these appointments would be made permanent if no agreement was reached before the second parliamentary sitting week, which begins on Monday.

As talks continue behind closed doors, both sides have struck a cautious tone. Mr Littleproud said discussions were being conducted with “integrity and respect” and expressed hope that the Coalition would come back together. If confirmed, the reunion would restore the traditional opposition alliance ahead of crucial parliamentary sittings and shape the political contest against the Labor government in the months ahead.