The Coalition split is set to be over almost as soon as it started, with the Liberal Party agreeing to the Nationals’ four policy demands, paving the way for the long-running political alliance to be renewed.
Just three days after Nationals leader David Littleproud announced the Coalition agreement wouldn’t be renewed, Liberal MPs and senators agreed in a party room meeting to provide in-principle backing to the sticking points around nuclear energy, a multibillion-dollar regional investment, regional phone coverage, and supermarket divestiture powers.
The Liberals have agreed to a more watered-down position on nuclear than what the Coalition took to the election, focused only on lifting the Commonwealth ban on atomic energy rather than constructing seven power plants across the country.
While talks between Opposition Leader Sussan Ley and Littleproud continue, the concessions from both parties could see the Coalition agreement officially signed off on in the coming days, and a shadow cabinet composed of both Liberal and National MPs to be unveiled before parliament resumes.
