Australia’s conservative parties reunite in coalition

Canberra

Australia’s Liberal and National parties have agreed to reunite as a coalition, just eight days after splitting for the first time in nearly four decades. The move restores their long-standing partnership as the opposition in the 48th federal parliament.

Liberal leader Sussan Ley confirmed the agreement during a press conference, calling it a “great partnership going forward.” The decision follows the May 3 election, where the ruling Labor Party won a landslide victory with 94 seats—tying the record for most held by a single party.

Nationals leader David Littleproud previously ended the coalition over disagreements on nuclear energy, regional investment, rural mobile coverage, and supermarket regulation. These policy demands have now been accepted in principle by the Liberals.

Littleproud stated that negotiations with Ley “laid the boundaries” for the renewed partnership and said it’s now time for the coalition to challenge the government.

Together, the reunited coalition holds at least 43 of the 150 lower house seats. One seat remains undecided pending a recount where the Liberal candidate has a narrow lead.

This political reunion aims to provide a stronger conservative opposition as Australia’s new parliament begins its term under firm Labor control.