The recent turmoil within the Liberal-National Coalition has prompted former Deputy Prime Minister, Michael McCormack, to reflect on the enduring value of unity between the two parties, drawing from his own extensive experience in federal politics.
McCormack, who represented the regional New South Wales electorate of Riverina since his election in 2010, served as Deputy Prime Minister from February 2018 to June 2021 under Prime Ministers Malcolm Turnbull and Scott Morrison. During his tenure as Nationals leader, he navigated the challenges of coalition government, holding key portfolios, including Infrastructure and Transport, and Defence Industry.
Known for his focus on rural and regional issues (from infrastructure development to drought support) McCormack built a reputation as a steady hand in the Nationals’ long-standing partnership with the Liberals. His time in Riverina, a vast electorate encompassing Wagga and surrounding areas, underscored the Nationals’ traditional role as advocates for country Australia, where coalition arrangements have historically amplified their influence in Canberra.
The Coalition’s recent fracture (their second split under current Nationals leader, David Littleproud) has reignited debate about the necessity of that alliance. Occurring in January 2026 and triggered by disagreements over Labor’s hate speech and extremism reforms following the Bondi terror attack, the Nationals withdrew from the shadow ministry under Liberal leader, Sussan Ley. Littleproud declared the arrangement untenable, though talks for reconciliation continues amid ongoing tensions.
This division coincided with a dramatic rise in popularity for Pauline Hanson’s One Nation, which appears to be siphoning conservative voters disillusioned with the fractured Coalition.
Recent polls show One Nation surging to record highs. The shift is particularly evident in regional and rural areas, where One Nation is drawing support from traditional Coalition heartlands.
Labor has also faced its own challenges. The Bondi terror attack in late 2025 initially contributed to a dip in popularity, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s approval ratings slumping in post-attack polls. However, Labor’s primary vote has stabilised around 30-32% in recent surveys, bolstered by its handling of related reforms. Albanese continues to outperform Opposition figures as preferred prime minister, leading Sussan Ley in key polls despite the Coalition chaos.
Current federal polling reflects this volatility: Labor holds a commanding two-party preferred lead (often 54-56% to the Coalition’s 44-46%, assuming reunification), while One Nation’s primary surge places it as a strong second or even leading conservative force in some surveys. Analysts note despite One Nation’s high primary vote—sometimes exceeding 22-25%—its path to winning lower house seats remains limited due to preference flows, concentrated support and historical challenges in translating national polling to individual electorates. However, the party is poised for a significant boost in Senate (upper house) representation, where proportional voting could deliver multiple additional seats if the momentum holds.
In this fractured landscape, McCormack’s perspective carries weight. A proven campaigner and stalwart of the Nationals, he has “been there and done it”—leading the party through coalition highs and lows, securing wins for regional voters, and demonstrating the practical benefits of unity. As the Nationals weigh their future, McCormack’s experience could be seen as a reminder that the coalition model, despite its strains, has long been the most effective way to deliver outcomes for country Australia in a parliament dominated by the major parties.
