The Nationals have made a principled decision to step away from the Coalition under the current Liberal leadership because remaining in those arrangements has become untenable.
Our opposition to Labor’s Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill was made in the national interest.
We strongly oppose antisemitism and extremism in all forms and will always stand with Australia’s Jewish community. Keeping Australians safe from hate and terrorism is non-negotiable.
However, good intentions do not excuse bad law.
This legislation was rushed, poorly drafted and carried serious risks to the rights and freedoms of everyday Australians. The Nationals supported stronger laws to combat hate, but only if they were right.
We initially abstained in the House to allow amendments in the Senate that would address unintended consequences.
When those safeguards were rejected, our Senators followed clear National Party Room direction and voted against the Bill. This legislation was too important to risk getting wrong.
Coalition processes were not followed.
The final version of the Bill was never brought back to Shadow Cabinet or the Joint Party Room and claims it had full endorsement are incorrect. This breakdown was avoidable.
The Nationals’ shadow ministers acted with integrity and took collective responsibility.
Leadership decisions taken by Sussan Ley prioritised her position over Coalition unity.
The Nationals will always act in the national interest, protecting Australians from hate while defending the freedoms we have enjoyed since before federation. We will continue to stand up for regional Australians, develop practical policies to address cost-of-living pressures, and operate independently in both chambers of Parliament to represent our constituents and values clearly.
To be clear on the way I voted in Parliament, I abstained from voting on the antisemitism bill and voted against the firearms bill.
I will always stand up for sensible laws that protect Australians while defending fairness, freedoms and responsible gun ownership.
