Liberals and Nationals split off but damage done

Nats' tail still wagging the Liberal dog

The Nationals push failed power policies, creating tension with the Liberals and shedding light on city-country divides.

Liberals and Nationals must concentrate on policies with nationwide appeal

As everyone rushes to claim vindication, the absence of an electable opposition and a parliament where the government has free rein are bad news.

Liberals and Nationals split off but damage done

Remember that cliche about the Nationals tail wagging the Liberal dog? That tail wagged very vigorously this week, and smashed a lot of crockery, as it sought to bring Liberal leader Sussan Ley to heel.

(A failed) Australian realignment - Politics, Policy, Political Views

Australia is due a political realignment. The split in the Liberal-National coalition this week could be a good thing if it allows more differences of opinions and for the parties to reflect on who they have become and where they are going (although it must be said, only one of these parties has lost a large number of lower house seats over the past two elections). As the Institute of Public Affairs’ Daniel Wild (my old boss) said: ‘The intellec…