Canberra – In a seismic political development, the Nationals have formally broken away from the Liberal Party, ending the federal Coalition that has defined centre-right politics in Australia for nearly four decades.
The dramatic split was announced by Nationals leader David Littleproud in Canberra on Tuesday, following the Coalition’s historic defeat in the 2025 federal election. With over 90% of the vote counted, Labor has secured a commanding majority with 93 seats, while the Liberals and Nationals combined have managed only 43. The result marks one of the worst performances for the Coalition in modern Australian history.
“This is one of the hardest political decisions of my life,” Littleproud said during an emotional press conference. “But it’s time for the Nationals to stand on our own, to represent regional Australians without compromise.”
The decision follows failed negotiations with newly elected Liberal leader Sussan Ley, who took over the party leadership after Peter Dutton lost his seat. Talks reportedly broke down over disagreements on party direction, leadership roles, and policy priorities.
The dissolution of the Coalition ends a political partnership that has existed in various forms since 1923, with the formal federal Coalition established in 1987. It has governed for most of the past three decades, including under prime ministers John Howard, Tony Abbott, Malcolm Turnbull, and Scott Morrison.
Ley issued a brief statement following the announcement, calling the Nationals’ move “deeply disappointing” but expressing hope for a “respectful relationship across the chamber.”
Political analysts say the split could dramatically reshape the opposition landscape, with both parties now needing to rebuild separately amid growing voter support for independents and minor parties.
As of Tuesday afternoon, the Australian Electoral Commission has declared:
Australian Labor Party (ALP): 93 seats
Liberal-National Coalition (LNP): 43 seats
Independents: 9 seats
Greens: 1 seat
Others: 2 seats
Only two seats remain undecided, but the outcome will not affect Labor’s clear majority of 76 seats required to govern outright.
The Nationals are expected to elect a new deputy leader and reconstitute themselves as a standalone party in the opposition benches. Meanwhile, questions loom over whether the Liberals can regain relevance amid internal fractures and growing competition from community independents and right-wing fringe parties.
What’s Next?
The split sets the stage for a new political era in Canberra, where both major opposition parties will now need to find their footing—separately. With Labor in firm control of the lower house, and likely influence in the Senate, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to press ahead with his legislative agenda largely unopposed.
