Overview

• Deputy Opposition Leader Ted O’Brien described the flare‑up as “robust debate” after Andrew Hastie blasted unnamed colleagues over a social‑media video on manufacturing.
• Hastie’s Instagram post lamented the loss of local car making, faulted both major parties, and used the caption “Australia’s First” while attacking Labor’s net zero goals.
• Anonymous Liberal MPs, quoted in The Australian, questioned how the “well produced” video was funded, triggering Hastie’s “nameless cowards” and “muppets” rebuke on Instagram.
• Senators Jacinta Nampijinpa Price and Matt Canavan publicly backed Hastie and criticised colleagues who provided anonymous briefings.
• Other MPs urged disputes be handled privately as Hastie continues to elevate a conservative policy pitch focused on industrial revival and opposition to net zero.