Australian Coalition Reunites After 17-Day Split Over Hate Speech Laws

Coalition Restored After Brief Rift

The Australian Liberal and National parties have officially reunited, concluding a 17-day split that had seen the conservative alliance fractured. The reunion was announced on Sunday, February 8, 2026, following a deal brokered by Liberal leader Sussan Ley and National Party leader David Littleproud. This marks the second time the Coalition has dissolved and reformed in less than a year.

Disagreement Over Hate Speech Legislation

The recent separation, which began on January 22, 2026, was triggered by a significant policy disagreement. The National Party withdrew from the Coalition after the Liberal Party supported the Labor government's new hate speech laws. These laws were introduced in the wake of a mass shooting at Bondi Beach in December, which resulted in 15 fatalities.

The immediate cause of the split involved three National Party frontbenchers who were removed from their positions for breaking shadow cabinet solidarity by voting against the government's bill. National Party leader David Littleproud had reportedly warned of a mass exodus if their resignations were accepted by Sussan Ley, which they were.

Terms of the Reconciliation

The agreement reached between Sussan Ley and David Littleproud aims to restore unity within the opposition. Key terms of the deal include the reinstatement of all former National Party frontbenchers to the shadow cabinet. However, these individuals will be suspended from the shadow ministry until March 1, 2026, before resuming their previous portfolios. During this interim period, Littleproud and Deputy Leader Kevin Hogan will be permitted to attend shadow cabinet and other senior leadership meetings, despite not technically holding frontbench positions.

In a joint statement, Sussan Ley affirmed, 'we've resolved those differences...The Coalition is back together, and looking to the future, not the past.' While Littleproud initially attributed blame for the split to Ley, he later shifted focus, accusing Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of rushing the vote on the contentious hate-speech laws.

Leadership and Context

Sussan Ley, who became the first woman to lead the federal Liberal caucus in May 2025, serves as the Leader of the Liberal Party and the Leader of the Opposition. David Littleproud has led the National Party since May 2022. This recent reconciliation follows a previous, shorter eight-day split in May 2025, which also arose from policy disagreements between the two parties.