Another eight nationals MPs, including Nationals leader David Littleproud, have sent their resignation from shadow cabinet in solidarity with the three senior colleagues who quit the Opposition frontbench earlier on Wednesday.
The Nationals Party held an emergency meeting on Wednesday evening, after Coalition leader Sussan Ley accepted the resignations of Nationals MPs Ross Cadell, Bridget McKenzie and Susan McDonald from the shadow cabinet.
The three MPs crossed the floor from the Coalition to oppose the hate speech law that was passed on Tuesday evening, following the Bondi terror attack.
In a statement, Nationals MP Pat Conaghan confirmed he has sent his resignation from the positions of shadow minister for finance services and shadow assistant treasurer.
He said while he and his Nationals colleagues support the intent of the legislation, but they don't support the rush iteration that has been presented.
The blanket resignations heap even more pressure on Ley, who has been trying to keep the Coalition together since their temporary split after the 2025 federal election.
Ley said in a statement that she has rejected the additional resignations.
"I have received additional offers of resignation from National Party shadow ministers, which I and my Liberal leadership group have determined are unnecessary.
"I note that in David’s letter, he has not indicated that the Nationals are leaving the Coalition.
"No permanent changes will be made to the shadow ministry at this time, giving the National Party time to reconsider these offers of resignation."
On Tuesday night, less than 20 minutes before voting began on the legislation, Littleproud said his party had decided to oppose the reforms if amendments protecting free speech were not successful.
McKenzie, Cadell and McDonald then joined their Nationals colleagues in voting against the bill and offered to resign from the front bench on Wednesday.
Littleproud wrote to Ley shortly after warning the entire Nationals shadow ministry would quit if the opposition leader accepted the trio's resignations.
"As it was a party room decision, if these resignations are accepted, the entire National party ministry will resign to take collective responsibility," he wrote.
Littleproud argued the hate crimes legislation was rushed, creating "unique circumstances" which justified the split between the two Coalition parties.
"These were unique circumstances created by the arrogance and incompetence of the Albanese government's process. The Nationals believe strongly that the Liberal and National Coalition partnership is the best way to remove this Labor Government," he told Ley.
If the Coalition does split — a prospect being canvassed by MPs — it would be the second break-up since the May 2025 federal election.
That week-long split came after the Nationals made a number of policy demands of the coalition, including a commitment to nuclear power.
— With additional reporting from the Australian Associated Press.
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