Eight shadow ministers from the National Party have resigned in solidarity with three senior colleagues who were removed from their positions for opposing new hate laws. This move has sparked speculation about another potential split within the Coalition. The National Party's decision comes after Senators Bridget McKenzie, Susan McDonald, and Ross Cadell were dropped from the frontbench for breaking shadow cabinet solidarity. The party's leader, David Littleproud, had warned Opposition Leader Sussan Ley that a mass exodus would occur if she accepted the resignations of these ministers. The situation arose when the three senators voted against the Labor Party's amended and watered-down hate laws, which went against the position agreed upon by the shadow cabinet. The National Party's action is a significant development, as it highlights the internal divisions within the Coalition and the challenges of maintaining unity on controversial legislation.
