Overview

• The Liberal and National parties have paused shadow cabinet announcements to allow for renewed negotiations aimed at reuniting the Coalition.
• Nationals leader David Littleproud and Liberal leader Sussan Ley are working to resolve differences over four key policy demands, including nuclear power and a $20 billion regional fund.
• The split, the first since 1987, has left the Liberals as the sole official opposition, while the Nationals now operate as a minor party in parliament.
• Senior figures from both parties, including Darren Chester and Barnaby Joyce, are playing key roles in back-channel efforts to broker a resolution before parliament resumes in July.
• Experts warn that failure to reconcile within 18 months could permanently damage the Coalition’s electoral prospects and complicate Senate dynamics for both parties.