Liberal MP Andrew Hastie has resigned from the front bench after claiming the Liberal Party and Opposition Leader Sussan Ley would deny him a role shaping immigration policy.
In an email sent to his followers, Hastie explained he had tendered his resignation via an early morning phone call to Ley on Oct. 3.
“It was a hard decision to make, and I want to explain to you why I’ve gone to the backbench,” he wrote.
“During the week, I received a letter from the leader outlining her expectations of me as the shadow minister for home affairs.
“In the letter, she made it clear that I would not be involved in leading or developing our policy or strategy on immigration.”
Hastie said he felt it would have made it impossible for him to comment on the topic, despite it being central to his portfolio.
“I could not see how I could continue as the shadow home affairs minister and remain silent on immigration policy,” he said.
“One of the things the leader rightly emphasised was the longstanding convention of shadow cabinet solidarity.
“This rule applies to those who sit at the big table. In my case, our position on immigration would be binding, even though I’d have no role in policy that is central to the home affairs portfolio.”
Hastie said upon reflection he concluded he could no longer serve his role with integrity under the circumstances.
“I believe consistency is important in public life, and that’s why I decided to resign from the shadow cabinet,” he said.
“Our convictions matter. Why else enter the public square?
“Looking ahead, I want to be able to speak freely in the contest of ideas.”
The Canning MP said he felt his constituents would want him to represent his views boldly.
Resignation Follows Price’s Removal
Hastie’s colleague Senator Jacinta Price was removed from her shadow defence role on Sept. 10.Price’s immigration comments were heavily criticised by all sides, and while the senator clarified her remarks, she refused to issue an apology, resulting in Ley removing her from her position.
