Revamped Coalition strikes deal on renewal

Peter Dutton and David Littleproud have met to lock in the Coalition agreement ahead of unveiling a revamped opposition frontbench line-up focused on generational renewal.

Former prime minister Scott Morrison sits at his home in the Southern Shire. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Jeremy Piper

Peter Dutton and David Littleproud have met to lock in the Coalition agreement ahead of unveiling a revamped opposition frontbench line-up focused on generational renewal after nine years in government.

Amid the national energy crisis, Mr Littleproud said he had raised with Mr Dutton the need for alternative electricity sources, including nuclear energy.

The Nationals leader, who is expected to win extra spots in the shadow cabinet after the country party held all of its seats and added an extra Senate spot on May 21, said “We’re not talking about having big nuclear power stations on every corner”.

“We’re talking about small scale modular, using common sense, but creating an environment for constructive conversation,” Mr Littleproud said. “There’s an opportunity for us as political leaders to take away the angst in the community and create an environment and conversation around alternative energy like nuclear.”

As Mr Dutton and Mr Littleproud finalise the Coalition front bench over the weekend, former prime minister Scott Morrison on Friday moved out of Kirribilli House and back to his Sutherland Shire home in Sydney.

Mr Morrison, who was formally replaced as leader by the Liberal party room on Monday, is expected to weigh up his future in the coming months but is understood to be in no immediate rush to quit politics.

With Liberal MPs urging a front bench reset, Mr Dutton is expected to appoint new faces in his shadow ministerial team on Sunday.

Moving trucks leave Kirribilli House as former Prime Minister Scott Morrison moves out and returns to The Shire. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Nikki Short

A Liberal MP said the party needed people with “fresh ideas” and who were in “touch with the community”.

“We need to rebuild for the future and that’s why there needs to be new energy, new ideas and new blood brought into the game,” the MP said.

Another Liberal MP said the old guard should not be rewarded and called for Alex Hawke, Alan Tudge and Michael Sukkar to be relegated.

Liberal insiders have floated Andrew Hastie, Jane Hume, James Paterson, Julian Leeser, Andrew Bragg, Ted O’Brien, Tony Pasin, Bridget Archer and Phillip Thompson as front bench material.

Former Morrison government ministers Angus Taylor, Simon Birmingham, Dan Tehan, Michaelia Cash, Karen Andrew, Anne Ruston, Bridget McKenzie and Mr Sukkar are likely to win senior opposition roles alongside deputy Liberal and Nationals leaders Sussan Ley and Perin Davey.

ADDITIONAL REPORTING: JESS MALCOLM