Three senior Nationals senators resigned from the Coalition’s shadow cabinet this afternoon after defying its agreed position to support the government’s antisemitism, hate and extremism laws.
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley confirmed she had accepted the resignations of Susan McDonald, Bridget McKenzie and Ross Cadell after they voted against the legislation, despite the shadow cabinet unanimously endorsing the bill following amendments negotiated by the Coalition.
“Shadow cabinet solidarity is not optional. It is the foundation of serious opposition and credible government,” Ms Ley said in a statement on Wednesday afternoon.
“I made it clear to Nationals leader David Littleproud that members of the shadow cabinet could not vote against the shadow cabinet position. The shadow cabinet was unanimous in its endorsement to support this bill, subject to several amendments that we then secured. This has been acknowledged by Nationals senators this morning.
“Last night, three Nationals senators were unable to maintain that shadow cabinet solidarity. This is an unfortunate circumstance and one that requires action. I thank David for understanding this.”
Ms Ley said the senators would continue serving the Coalition in parliamentary and committee roles, but not in the shadow cabinet, and she had asked Mr Littleproud to nominate three replacements.
She acknowledged the issue had been “difficult” for the Nationals, whose party room adopted differing positions across both houses, with some members voting against the bill, others supporting it and several abstaining. Nationals leader Mr Littleproud abstained, while backbencher Matt Canavan also voted against the legislation.
Stance against “rushed legislation”
In a statement, Senator McDonald said her resignation followed the Nationals party room’s decision not to support the government’s “rushed” Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Criminal and Migration Laws) Bill 2026.
“Serving as the Shadow Minister for Resources and Northern Australia, and the Shadow Cabinet under both Peter Dutton and Sussan Ley has been a privilege. I thank my leader David Littleproud for entrusting me to serve in this position.
“Australia’s wealth and prosperity is built on the backbone of our resources sector. The 1.1 million direct and indirect employees of this great industry work every day to build a better nation, and deliver the essential minerals and energy resources the world needs.
“Our northern border remains the front line against Australia’s enemies. The men and women of the North are built tough, and as a resident of Northern Australia, I know their challenges first hand.
“Securing the future of Northern Australia, and our resources’ wealth, requires careful planning and considered decision making.
“I remain committed to serving and delivering for Queenslanders.”.
NFF warns of ‘indirect consequences’
Meanwhile, following the passage of the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Firearms and Customs Laws) Bill 2026 last night, the National Farmers’ Federation issued a statement supporting “sensible reforms that keep communities safe”.
The NFF said parts of the bill, including stronger background checks and measures targeting 3D-printed firearms, would not have an immediate impact on farmers, but warned of potential indirect consequences.
It said tighter import controls could place additional pressure on rural firearms dealers through increased paperwork and costs, potentially affecting farmers’ access to essential supplies.
The NFF said the government must work closely with farmers during implementation, including ensuring fair compensation through any buyback scheme, covering firearms, ammunition and associated equipment.