Opposition Unveils New All-Liberal Shadow Cabinet After Coalition Split

Ley has reapportioned responsibilities among existing spokespeople, with new appointments delayed until Parliament sits in February

Leader of the Opposition Sussan Ley speaks at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia on Nov. 3, 2025. Hilary Wardhaugh/Getty Images

Liberal Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has reshuffled her shadow cabinet after the Coalition split last week, at least until the beginning of Parliament’s second sitting week on Feb. 9.

The Nationals—who previously held the portfolios reassigned on Jan. 30—have until then to come back to the table to reform the Coalition, or she will promote six MPs to the shadow cabinet and two to the outer shadow ministry.

The Nationals having left after a rift over the Liberal Party’s support for the government’s controversial hate speech laws.

However, any reunion may be delayed by the twin leadership challenges confronting both parties.

Nationals leader David Littleproud faces his own leadership challenge from the Queensland-based Colin Boyce.

While Ley may face a leadership challenge of her own from one of two right faction MPs, Angus Taylor and Andrew Hastie, who have been canvassing support for a spill.

However, moderates within the party say it’s unlikely to succeed, as the wider caucus is in no mood for a change.

Deadline for the Nationals

In the meantime, Taylor picks up Veterans’ Affairs, while deputy Liberal leader and Shadow Treasurer Ted O'Brien gets to be his own Assistant Treasurer and takes on the Financial Services portfolio.

Michaelia Cash is appointed to Trade, Investment and Tourism, and Dan Tehan is handed responsibility for Resources and Northern Australia.

Anne Ruston is the new Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry spokesperson, and James McGrath is handed Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, while Angie Bell takes responsibility for Water and Emergency Management.

In a clear warning to the National Party that there will be no rapprochement after Feb. 9, Ley said in a statement that there was “enormous talent in the parliamentary Liberal Party, and my party room is more than capable of permanently fulfilling each and every one of those roles.

“Equally, the Nationals’ decision to leave the Coalition was both regrettable and unnecessary, and that door remains open. The Liberal and National parties exist to serve the Australian people— and the maintenance of a strong and functioning relationship between both is in the national interest—whether we are in a formal coalition or not.”

Ley said she had written to Littleproud on Jan. 27 proposing a meeting “without any preconditions and as a priority,” but that she understood and respected his decision to await the outcome of a spill motion.

She intends to try to meet “whoever is elected as their leader” following the National’s party room meeting on Feb. 2.