A senior member of the Coalition’s shadow cabinet, Andrew Hastie, has threatened to resign from the frontbench if leader Sussan Ley does not shift the party’s position on net zero emissions. This ultimatum comes just days after Ley dismissed senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, further testing her authority within the party.
During an interview on ABC Radio Perth, Hastie expressed his concerns about the Coalition’s continued support for net zero emissions, stating that maintaining this stance could jeopardize his position. “That leaves me without a job,” he said, emphasizing that his political mission is to ensure a stronger and more competitive Australia, with energy security as a fundamental priority.
Ley’s leadership is currently under scrutiny following the 2025 election, where the opposition, led by Peter Dutton, faced significant backlash for its promise to construct up to seven nuclear power stations as part of Australia’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. In response to the election defeat, Ley has initiated a review of the Coalition’s climate policy, assigning her energy spokesman, Dan Tehan, to lead the assessment.
Hastie reinforced the idea that Price’s dismissal was a necessary action, as she failed to express support for Ley’s leadership. He noted, “One of the conditions for serving in the shadow cabinet or the outer ministry is that you support the leader.” While he affirmed that Ley has his backing, his comments may be perceived as provocative, especially given the timing of Price’s recent removal from the frontbench.
Hastie’s remarks about the need for unity within the shadow cabinet highlight the delicate balance of power within the Coalition. His willingness to threaten resignation may resonate with some party members who share his views on the importance of reevaluating the party’s position on climate change.
As the Coalition grapples with its internal dynamics and public perception following the recent election, the outcome of this situation could have significant implications for its future direction and leadership stability.
