Aspiring Liberal leader Andrew Hastie RESIGNS in scathing statement targeted at Sussan Ley: ‘I won’t be silenced’
West Australian Liberal MP Andrew Hastie has sensationally quit the Opposition frontbench after being told he would not lead the Coalition’s migration policy.
Hastie, who served as Shadow Home Affairs Minister, announced his resignation on Friday night, revealing he had been stripped of authority to shape the party’s immigration strategy.
‘The Leader has made it clear that I won’t be leading the Coalition’s response to immigration,’ Hastie said.
‘On that basis, I’ve made the decision to resign. I won’t be silenced.’
The former SAS commander and rising Liberal star said he could no longer ‘remain silent’ while the party crafted policy without his input.
His departure follows a series of social media posts in which he criticised Labor’s migration settings, arguing mass migration had left Australians feeling like ‘strangers in their own country’.
He also called for a return to what he described as ‘stronger, more sustainable’ immigration levels.
Hastie framed his decision as a matter of principle, saying he was stepping down ‘out of respect’ for Opposition Leader Sussan Ley’s leadership but would not compromise his values.
Hastie (pictured) resigned from the front bench after his role on migration policy was reduced
‘It’s a Westminster convention: if you can’t support the team publicly, you go to the backbench,’ he said.
‘Sussan deserves the chance to lead without interference. But I won’t stay silent on immigration.’
The resignation is a major blow for Ley, who is grappling with internal unrest as the Coalition struggles in opinion polls.
Hastie’s exit exposes deep fractures within the party, particularly over immigration and climate policy.
Shortly after Hastie announced he was quitting, Opposition Leader Sussan Ley released a statement confirming his departure.
‘Three days ago, I sent every member of my Shadow Ministry a ‘Charter Letter’,’ Ley said.
‘These letters provide clear direction and a tasking to shadow ministers beyond the conventional mirroring of government portfolios, putting the Coalition on a proactive policy path.’
Ley said the letters set out key performance indicators, shared policy priorities, and reaffirmed the longstanding requirement of ‘Shadow Ministerial Solidarity’ in public commentary and parliamentary votes.
Ley (pictured) sent Shadow Cabinet MPs a ‘Charter Letter’ outlining their roles on Wednesday
Andrew Hastie (pictured) said he would not ‘be silenced’ over immigration policy proposals
‘This expectation is not new and is a fundamental feature of our Westminster system of government,’ she said.
‘Compliance with this convention has always been a prerequisite for serving in both Cabinet and Shadow Cabinet.’
Ley revealed Hastie informed her by phone that he could not comply with this requirement and would resign.
‘Mr Hastie did not raise any matters relating to policy on this call,’ she said.
‘I thanked Mr Hastie for his service and assured him he would continue to be a very valued part of my Coalition team.’
Ley also seized on reports that ISIS brides had secretly returned to Australia, accusing Labor of failing on national security.
‘It is disappointing that this crucial Opposition portfolio has been left vacant today.’
Senator James Paterson will serve as Acting Shadow Minister for Home Affairs until a permanent replacement is announced.
Hasite will host a press conference in Perth on Saturday morning.
