Coalition Reunites: Sussan Ley and David Littleproud Seal Last-Minute Deal

In a stunning reversal of fortunes, Australia's Liberal and National parties have officially reunited to form the Coalition, ending a week of political turmoil that saw them sitting separately in parliament. Liberal leader Sussan Ley and Nationals counterpart David Littleproud announced the agreement on Saturday, February 7, 2026, following intense behind-the-scenes negotiations. The deal comes just days after a high-stakes split triggered by dissent over the federal government's controversial hate speech legislation.

Background: The Seeds of Division

The Coalition, a longstanding alliance between the centre-right Liberal Party and the rural-focused Nationals, has been a cornerstone of Australian opposition politics since the 1920s. However, cracks in this partnership emerged last week when three Nationals senators defied shadow cabinet directives and voted against the government's hastily introduced hate groups bill. This legislation, rushed through parliament in response to the Bondi terror attack, aimed to curb extremist activities but sparked fierce debate over free speech and procedural fairness.

The senators' rebellion led to their immediate dismissal from shadow cabinet roles by Ley, prompting the Nationals to walk out of the Coalition. For the first time in decades, the two parties occupied separate benches in the Senate, a visual symbol of their fractured relationship. Political analysts described the episode as one of the most significant internal crises for the opposition since the 2018 leadership spill that ousted Malcolm Turnbull.

The Role of Rushed Legislation

Both leaders pointed to the government's accelerated timeline as the catalyst for the breakdown. Littleproud criticized the bill's introduction, noting that parliamentarians had only four to five hours to review a "substantive" piece of legislation. "This went to the very core of our party room," he said during a joint press conference in Canberra. The Bondi incident, which claimed multiple lives and heightened national security concerns, undoubtedly pressured the Albanese government to act swiftly, but at what cost to bipartisan stability?

The Last-Minute Deal: Terms and Trust

The reunification agreement, hammered out in the 11th hour, includes key concessions to mend fences. Most notably, the three dismissed Nationals senators will be reinstated to their previous shadow cabinet positions, a non-negotiable demand from Littleproud's camp. In exchange, the Coalition has agreed to a new governance framework designed to safeguard unity.

Under the revamped rules, neither party can unilaterally override shadow cabinet decisions. Any attempt to do so must be approved by the joint Coalition party room, ensuring collective buy-in. This codification in writing addresses vulnerabilities exposed by two splits since the last federal election, fostering what Ley described as "a greater level of trust."

Mutual Assurances and Leadership Dynamics

Ley, who has led the Liberals since 2022, emphasized the emotional toll of the divide. "This has been a difficult time for millions of our Coalition supporters and many other Australians who rely on our two great parties to provide scrutiny and leadership," she stated. Looking ahead, she affirmed, "The Coalition is back together, and looking to the future, not the past."

Littleproud echoed this sentiment, calling the split "ugly" but praising the courage required for reconciliation. He explicitly denied earlier reports that he had conditioned reunification on Ley's resignation, instead framing the caveat around the senators' reinstatement. "I wouldn't be standing here today if I did not trust Sussan Ley and the Liberal Party," he declared, a strong vote of confidence in her leadership.

The personal rapport between the two appears genuine, with Ley reciprocating the trust. This alliance could prove pivotal as the opposition gears up for the next election, potentially in 2025, where unity will be essential to challenge Labor's incumbency.

Implications for Australian Politics

The reunion isn't just a patch-up job; it signals a strategic reset for the Coalition. With the government facing scrutiny over its handling of security and social issues post-Bondi, a unified opposition can amplify calls for accountability. However, questions linger about the long-term viability of the new rules. Will they hold during future flashpoints, such as climate policy or economic reforms, where rural and urban interests often clash?

Political commentators suggest this episode highlights deeper tensions within the Coalition. The Nationals' growing assertiveness, particularly on issues like free speech and regional priorities, challenges the Liberals' dominance. For Ley, navigating this balance will test her mettle as she positions the Coalition as a credible alternative government.

Broader Context: Hate Speech Laws and Public Reaction

The underlying hate groups bill, now law, empowers authorities to proscribe organizations promoting terrorism or hate. While supporters hail it as a necessary response to rising extremism, critics—including the reinstated senators—argue it infringes on civil liberties. Public opinion is divided, with polls showing 55% approval for tougher measures but concerns over implementation.

The Coalition's internal drama has also drawn mixed reactions. Supporters celebrated the quick resolution as mature leadership, while detractors mocked the "family feud" as evidence of disarray. Social media buzzed with #AusPol hashtags, amplifying the story's reach.

Looking Ahead: A Stronger Opposition?

As the dust settles, Ley and Littleproud face the task of rebuilding voter confidence. The Coalition's responsibility, as Ley put it, is to "chart a course back to government." With new safeguards in place, the alliance appears more resilient, but Australian politics is notoriously unpredictable. The coming months will reveal whether this deal marks a turning point or merely a temporary truce.

For now, the reunification offers a glimmer of stability in a polarized landscape. As the parliamentary session resumes, all eyes will be on how this revitalized Coalition holds up under pressure.