Australia's Conservative Coalition Reunited After Split Over Hate Speech Laws

Australia's conservative opposition coalition has mended its previous rift, reuniting after the National Party, its junior partner, severed ties with the Liberal Party. The split happened after the Liberal Party backed government hate speech laws, a decision opposed by some National Party senators.

The disagreement came following the passage of anti-hate laws by Australia's parliament after a tragic mass shooting that claimed 15 lives in December. Liberal Party leader Sussan Ley emphasized the coalition's commitment to moving forward, rather than dwelling on past differences.

Historically, the coalition underlined representation from rural communities by the Nationals and urban interests by the Liberals. They face mounting pressure from populist Senator Pauline Hanson's One Nation party while dealing with seat losses during the last federal election.