The Opposition has been thrown into turmoil after three Nationals senators abruptly quit the Coalition’s Shadow Cabinet.
Nationals frontbenchers Bridget McKenzie, Susan McDonald and Ross Cadell resigned on Wednesday after defying Coalition unity and voting against the Albanese Government’s proposed hate-speech legislation.
The trio had been bound by Shadow Cabinet solidarity to support the laws after Coalition leaders agreed to back the bill, but instead broke ranks in a move that forced their removal from the frontbench.
Under Coalition rules, any Shadow Cabinet member who votes against an agreed position must step down.
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley confirmed the resignations, describing the situation as ‘an unfortunate circumstance and one that requires action’.
Ley said all three senators had written to her to confirm they remain ready to serve the Coalition in whatever capacity is required.
‘I have asked each to continue serving in our Coalition team, across their various parliamentary and committee duties, but from outside the Shadow Cabinet.
‘I have also asked the Leader of the Nationals to provide three new nominees for appointment to the Shadow Cabinet and I await his advice.’
Ley (pictured) confirmed that three Nationals Senators had resigned from Shadow Cabinet
Senior National Bridget McKenzie (pictured) will now sit on the Senate backbench
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The National Senators took issue at a revised provision in the bill aimed at prohibiting hate groups, after Nationals backbencher Matt Canavan warned the changes could inadvertently capture political or religious organisations.
McKenzie, Cadell, McDonald and Canavan joined the Greens and several crossbenchers in voting against Labor’s bill.
As part of Coalition rules, backbench members may vote as they please on any piece of legislation.
Most Liberal senators voted with Labor to ensure the legislation passed.
