UPDATE: Prominent Liberal MP Andrew Hastie has just dismissed rumors of his intentions to lead the party after a barrage of controversial social media posts. This comes amid growing frustrations within the Liberal ranks over their recent electoral failures and a pressing need to refocus on attacking the Labor Party rather than engaging in internal disputes.
The political landscape is heating up as Liberals worry they may lose momentum after a dismal performance in the May 2023 elections. “The vast majority of the party room want to focus on a bad government that’s failing the Australian people, not internal conversations,” one MP stated earlier today.
Hastie’s outspoken comments, including calls to drop net-zero emissions goals and curb migration, have sparked intense speculation about his ambitions within the party. He notably stated, “We’re starting to feel like strangers in our own home,” linking immigration to Australia’s housing shortages. These remarks have led to significant backlash from within the party and beyond.
Among those rallying behind Hastie is Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, who was recently ousted from the shadow ministry for not supporting Opposition Leader Sussan Ley. Despite previously expressing a desire to lead the Liberal Party, Hastie publicly backed Ley on October 5, 2023, stating, “I support Sussan. Anyone who’s speculating otherwise is being mischievous,” during an interview on 2GB Sydney.
Yet, Hastie continues to label net-zero targets as a “con job,” despite the party not having officially clarified its stance on climate objectives. “The climate is changing. I don’t dispute that,” he remarked, “Whether or not we can do anything about it by killing our country is another question altogether.”
Concerns are mounting among Liberals and Nationals about potentially losing votes to right-wing parties like One Nation, which oppose climate action. Hastie has even threatened to resign from the opposition front bench if the emissions policy remains intact, a stark contrast to his previous position under former leader Peter Dutton.
Moderate senator Maria Kovacic emphasized the need for the coalition to establish credible policies for the next election, urging that “the sensible and credible thing to do” is to prepare as a legitimate alternative government. She referenced a recent ASEAN inter-parliamentary assembly, highlighting the urgent need for effective emissions reduction and regional energy security.
Furthermore, several Liberals have distanced themselves from Hastie’s rhetoric regarding immigration. Independent MP Allegra Spender criticized his language, drawing historical parallels to the infamous “Rivers of Blood” speech by Enoch Powell, which incited racial tension in Britain. “We must be very careful in this debate,” Spender cautioned, questioning the implications of Hastie’s comments.
Opposition immigration spokesman Paul Scarr, a moderate voice in the party, has rejected any associations of racism linked to Hastie’s statements, asserting that “we’re all Australians.” However, he did not endorse Hastie’s latest posts when pressed.
In response to the unfolding situation, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has called for clarity on where migration cuts would occur, reinforcing the government’s commitment to Australia’s multiculturalism.
As this story develops, all eyes are on the Liberal Party to see how they will navigate these internal tensions and public perceptions. The political stakes are high, and the implications for both the party and the Australian public are significant as the next election approaches.
Stay tuned for updates on this urgent political saga.
