Nationals MP Disputes Liberal Leader’s Account of Hate Crime Vote
Nationals MP Darren Chester publicly challenged Liberal leader Sussan Ley‘s recollection of events surrounding a recent vote on Labour’s hate crime legislation, asserting her version differs from his own. The dispute centers on whether the Coalition reached a firm position before three Nationals senators voted against the party line.
chester also questioned Ley’s decision to accept the resignations of the dissenting Nationals senators, according to reporting from The Guardian.
In a resignation letter to Ley on Wednesday, Chester stated that a shadow cabinet meeting on Sunday resulted in an “inconclusive outcome” regarding the legislation. He further claimed no subsequent discussions clarified the Coalition’s stance before Tuesday’s vote.
chester’s letter directly contradicts Ley’s public statements, which indicated a clear Coalition position was established prior to the vote.
The vote saw Nationals senators Bridget McKenzie, Matt Canavan, and Barry O’Sullivan cross the floor to oppose the legislation, which aims to create specific offenses relating to hate-motivated crimes. Their actions prompted ley to request their resignations from shadow cabinet positions.
The disagreement highlights ongoing tensions within the Liberal-National Coalition, particularly regarding social issues and the balance of power between the two parties. Further details on the legislation can be found on the Australian Parliament House website.
