A trial separation can’t go on between the Libs and Nats, or the damage won’t be able to be fixed

The Nationals have many reasons to be angry after the Coalition’s shocking election loss — but splitting from the Liberal Party isn’t a permanent solution, writes Clare Armstrong.

Analysis: Like many relationship breakdowns, the trial separation of the Nationals and Liberals was sparked by a toxic mix of bitterness, anger, despair and resentment.

None of the grievances are unsurmountable barriers to a future reunion, but as any child of divorce will attest, there’s no guarantee parents get back together after taking a break.

Bitter at the Liberals’ electoral defeat wiping out a senate position in NSW, despair at the poor campaign, anger at the defection of Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, and resentful of being railroaded into adopting net zero, the Nationals feel they have plenty of reasons to strike out on their own for a while.

Leader of The Nationals, David Littleproud, Kevin Hogan and Bridget McKenzie hold a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Most members of the rural party believe they bear absolutely no responsibility for the Liberals’ dissent into unelectability — after all the Nationals held all their seats at the 2025 election.

Exasperated Liberals point out many of their city-based MPs and candidates have fought — and lost — consecutive elections being told by voters they can’t support a party beholden to the Nationals’ on issues like climate change.

Deep divisions on net zero were papered over first by Scott Morrison with the promise of an extra cabinet position for the Nationals and extra regional funding, and then by Peter Dutton who bet his political career on nuclear.

While climate alone doesn’t explain their respective election defeats, it is a factor that worked against them in the blue ribbon seats once vital to the Coalition forming government.

Leader of the Opposition Sussan Ley holds a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Whether the Liberals ultimately resolve to adopt or dump nuclear is irrelevant, it was untenable for Sussan Ley to skip proper party processes and sign up to the policy again simply because the Nationals were demanding it.

The policy ultimatums and the attempts to avoid being bound by shadow cabinet solidarity make it difficult to believe the Nationals genuinely wanted a Coalition agreement.

The Liberals are in the midst of a massive identity crisis and rather than stick around copping flak, the Nationals have driven off in a new red sports car to better express themselves.

Both sides insist their doors remain open for a reconciliation, but if the Nationals don’t return soon the damage to the partnership is unlikely to be easily undone.

Originally published as A trial separation can’t go on between the Libs and Nats, or the damage won’t be able to be fixed