Coalition dissolves as Nationals to split from Liberals

David Littleproud, leader of the Nationals announced at a press conference today (20 May) that his party won’t re-enter into the Coalition agreement.

Since the formation of the Liberal party in 1944, the Coalition with the Nationals has held steady. There was a brief split in 1987 after John Howard's defeat in the federal election by Andrew Peacock.

Following the loss of former Liberal Party leader Peter Dutton in the 2025 federal election, the Nationals will once again be stepping away from the party.

"The National Party will sit alone on a principle basis,” said Littleproud.

"On the basis of looking forward, not having to look back, and to try and actually regain important policy pieces that change the lives of the people we represent."

"We look forward to what else we can do as a party, and as part of an opposition now that can shape the lives of regional Australians for the better.”

Reports claim this decision was spurred by disagreement in policies, including supermarkets, nuclear energy, and the establishment of a $20 billion regional Australia future fund.

Despite the split, the Nationals are reportedly open to a future Coalition agreement.

"I gave [Sussan Ley] the commitment that I'll work with her every day to help to try to rebuild the relationship to the point we can re-enter a Coalition before the next election.”

"But at this juncture, we're making a principled position about not what we're prepared to give up on, but to build on what we achieved and to move forward,” said Littleproud.

"So, it's with great disappointment that I announce that we're not going to form part of that Coalition."

According to Littleproud, if an agreement isn't reached by the next federal election, the parties will be contesting independently.

However, with Littleproud open to re-entering an agreement and Nationals deputy leader Kevin Hogan telling Sky News "the relationship will get back together," it could be a short lived tiff between the parties.

Sussan Ley will stay opposition leader as the Liberals have the next largest portion of MPs in the lower house.

Jack Campbell is the editor of Broker Daily. After graduating from the University of Wollongong in 2022, Jack began his journalistic career working on Broker Daily’s sister brand, HR Leader. In August 2023 he was made the news editor and worked alongside some talented journalists writing articles and recording podcasts.

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