UPDATE: Rogue Liberal MP Andrew Hastie has officially ruled out abandoning the coalition, declaring he remains committed to the party amid rising speculation. Speaking to Sydney radio 2GB, Hastie emphasized his dedication, stating, “I’m not switching,” and reinforced that he owes his electoral success to the Liberal Party.
In a surprising move, Hastie stepped down from his role as opposition home affairs spokesman earlier this month due to contentious disagreements over immigration and climate policy. Since resigning, he has maintained a low profile, opting not to engage with the media. “I haven’t done any interviews, I haven’t done any press, and I’ve given Sussan Ley clear air,” he said during the broadcast on Thursday.
Hastie’s remarks come as tensions rise within the coalition, particularly after speculation surfaced about former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce potentially joining Pauline Hanson’s One Nation. Hastie urged Joyce to stay with the opposition, describing the rumors as “unhelpful to our cause right now.”
In the wake of Prime Minister Scott Morrison‘s recent visit to the White House, Hastie also expressed his support for Australia’s ambassador to the US, Kevin Rudd. Despite calls from some coalition members for Rudd’s dismissal following a tense exchange with President Donald Trump, Hastie praised Rudd for securing a critical minerals deal worth billions with the United States.
“Kevin Rudd copped it on the chin for the country,” he stated, dismissing Trump’s criticism as mere “trolling.” He added, “This guy does reality television, and trolling the Australian ambassador was good TV.”
As divisions continue to surface within the Liberal Party, Hastie’s firm stance signals a pivotal moment for the coalition’s unity and future direction. The political landscape is shifting rapidly, and all eyes are on how these developments will impact party dynamics moving forward.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
