Overview

• The Nationals announced they will not re-enter a coalition agreement with the Liberal Party, marking the first formal split since 1987.
• Key disagreements included the Nationals' demands for nuclear energy, a $20 billion regional fund, supermarket regulation, and expanded telecommunications obligations.
• Liberal leader Sussan Ley declined to commit to the Nationals' policy demands, citing her pledge to review all party policies after the May 3 election losses.
• The split positions the Liberals as the official opposition, while the Nationals will sit independently without shadow cabinet roles or additional salaries.
• Both leaders left the door open for potential reconciliation before the next federal election, though the timeline and terms remain uncertain.