Former Nationals Leader Advocates for Swift Coalition Reunion
Former Nationals leader Michael McCormack has issued a strong call for his party to reunite with the Liberal Party as soon as possible, arguing that continued separation threatens their relevance at future elections. The Riverina MP emphasised that the Coalition must mend its fractured relationship to regain governing power and effectively represent constituents across both urban and regional Australia.
Unity Essential for Governing Influence
"I always believe we're stronger when we're together," McCormack stated in an exclusive interview. "The only way we can really effect change for and on behalf of the constituents we serve - whether they're city based or out in the bush - is by getting into government."
He stressed that rebuilding an amicable and workable partnership with the Liberals represents the only viable path back to government. The former deputy prime minister, who served under Malcolm Turnbull and Scott Morrison, drew from his experience to highlight that while disagreements occur, the Coalition framework provides the best platform for implementing meaningful policy changes.
Dismissing One Nation's Appeal as Temporary Protest
McCormack brushed aside concerns about One Nation's growing poll numbers, which some analysts have linked to the Coalition's internal rupture. "One Nation is a protest party," he declared, characterising support for Pauline Hanson as "the current fad" among voters frustrated with economic conditions and political self-absorption.
"Whether that continues remains to be seen," he added, acknowledging that while the political landscape faces challenges, destroying the Coalition partnership would be counterproductive. The Nationals should remember that influencing critical policies - including Australia's net zero targets - requires being part of a Coalition government rather than standing on opposition principles alone.
Leadership Dynamics and Path Forward
When questioned about potentially returning to Nationals leadership, McCormack clarified that "the leadership's not on offer" and expressed strong support for current leader David Littleproud. He described recent events as unfortunate but urged both parties to move forward quickly, noting that "the next game is not that far away."
Regarding Liberal leadership, McCormack declined to endorse any candidate but spoke respectfully of Sussan Ley, Angus Taylor, and Andrew Hastie. Having known Ley for over 25 years since her 2001 election win in Farrer, he emphasised that Liberal leadership decisions remain entirely internal matters.
The former leader concluded that all parties involved must "sit down and have a really good, earnest and honest conversation about where to from here" to rebuild the Coalition partnership that has historically delivered conservative governments in Australia.
