Australian MP Andrew Hastie Quits Shadow Cabinet Over Immigration Policy Clash

Australian MP Andrew Hastie resigned from his role as Shadow Home Affairs Minister due to a fundamental disagreement over immigration policy with Liberal Party leader Sussan Ley, not to challenge her leadership. Hastie stated that Ley made it clear he would not lead the Coalition's immigration strategy despite his shadow ministerial role, prompting his decision to step down as he could not remain silent on the issue. He emphasized the Westminster convention of shadow cabinet solidarity and said he was resigning out of respect, allowing Ley to lead unencumbered. Hastie had also publicly opposed net-zero emissions goals and advocated for curbing migration, stances that contributed to internal party tensions. His resignation follows months of strain between him and Ley, with some party members wary of internal disputes overshadowing efforts to counter the Labor party ahead of the 2028 election. Hastie expressed gratitude for his time in the shadow cabinet and wished Ley and her team success moving forward.