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National Party and Liberal Party part ways after more than 60-year alliance following election defeat.
Australia’s National Party has split from its conservative coalition partner of more than 60 years, the Liberal Party, citing policy differences over renewable energy and following a resounding loss in the national elections this month.
“It’s time to have a break,” the National leader, David Littleproud, told reporters on Tuesday.
The split shows the pressure on Australia’s conservative parties after Anthony Albanese’s centre-left Labor Party won a historic second term in the May 3 election, powered by a voter backlash against United States President Donald Trump’s policies.
Under the longstanding partnership in state and federal politics, the Liberal and National coalition had shared power in governments, with the Nationals broadly representing the interests of rural communities and the Liberals contesting city seats.
“We will not be re-entering a coalition agreement with the Liberal Party after this election,” Littleproud said, citing policy differences.