Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan has resigned from the Shadow Ministry, becoming one of several Nationals MPs to step aside following a major split within the federal Opposition over controversial hate speech legislation.
Mr Hogan confirmed his resignation in a public statement, saying the decision was made “as a matter of principle” after members of his Senate team were removed from shadow roles for opposing the legislation.
Those senators, Bridget McKenzie, Susan McDonald, and Ross Cadell, were forced to resign after crossing the floor to vote against the government’s hate speech laws. In response, remaining Nationals holding shadow positions resigned in solidarity.
Mr Hogan said he could not continue in Shadow Ministry under the current circumstances, expressing concern that the legislation had been rushed and may have unintended consequences for free speech.
“I am a proud National,” Mr Hogan said, adding that standing by principle was more important than holding a position. He acknowledged the personal cost of the decision but said it reflected what his community expects from their elected representatives.
Nationals leader David Littleproud later described the Coalition relationship as “untenable” following the resignations, confirming the Nationals would no longer participate in the joint shadow frontbench under Liberal leader Sussan Ley.
The legislation at the centre of the dispute was introduced following rising concerns about extremism and hate speech. Critics within the Nationals argue the process lacked sufficient scrutiny and debate, particularly around potential impacts on freedom of expression.
The mass resignation marks one of the most significant ruptures within the Coalition in recent years and raises questions about how the Opposition will function moving forward, with the Nationals now operating outside the formal shadow ministry structure.
We have reached out to Kevin Hogan for further comment
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