Jim Chalmers: 'The Coalition is a smoking ruin'

The Coalition has reached a breaking point as the National Party officially splits from the Liberals, following a mass frontbench walkout over controversial hate speech legislation. While Opposition Leader Sussan Ley attempted to block some of the resignations to maintain unity, former colleagues and political rivals alike are labeling the fallout a "smoking ruin" that threatens the future of the alternative government.

Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud speaks to the media during a press conference in Brisbane, Thursday, January 22, 2026. The Nationals Leader David Littleproud has formally announced that the Coalition has ended between the Liberal Party and Nationals.(AAP Image/Darren England) NO ARCHIVING Source: AAP / DARREN ENGLAND/AAPIMAGE

Key Points

• National party leader David Littleproud announcing that his party is officially splitting with the Liberal party after a rift over hate speech laws led to a mass walkout of the Nationals frontbench
• Senator Bridget McKenzie, along with Ross Cadell and Susan McDonald, resigned from the Shadow Cabinet, citing the rushed passage of the bill without adequate expert advice.
• Treasurer Jim Chalmers says the ongoing turmoil in the Coalition shows the opposition is collapsing, with internal division proving the Liberals and Nationals are in a race to the bottom.

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Jim Chalmers: 'The Coalition is a smoking ruin'

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