Australia’s coalition recently experienced a brief split over a hate speech bill conflict. Near the last moment before Parliament reconvened, the Liberal and National parties reached an agreement to reunite. The agreement, announced jointly by Liberal leader Susan Ley and National leader David Littleproud, symbolized a temporary return to stability for the conservative alliance.

The split arose when three National Party senators voted against the bill, angering the Liberals and leading to the removal of the senators from shadow cabinet posts, creating awkward separate seating arrangements in Parliament.

Ley and Littleproud agreed to reinstate the removed senators to their original positions and shadow cabinet roles, viewed as the key to reconciliation. Both leaders also pledged more internal communication mechanisms to prevent future rifts over policy disagreements.

Ley emphasized at a press conference that the coalition must “look forward, not dwell on the past,” stressing responsibility to provide stable and effective oversight for supporters and the wider electorate. Littleproud admitted the split created instability but said reaching consensus is vital for the next election. Analysts note that reconciliation has not resolved deeper ideological divides within the coalition, particularly on climate, economic policies, and public opinion, suggesting future challenges remain.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog arrived in Australia on February 9, 2026, for a four-day official visit with Prime Minister Albanese to commemorate victims of the Bondi Beach shooting in December 2025. The attack during Hanukkah killed 15 people and injured dozens, marking Australia’s deadliest hate crime in nearly 29 years.

Herzog laid a wreath and met victims’ families at Bondi Beach. He also met leaders and Jewish cultural and religious institutions, reiterating a joint stance against terrorism and hate, noting that antisemitism is rising globally and Australia is not immune.

Pro-Palestinian groups and human rights organizations held large protests in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, and Adelaide, criticizing Israel for civilian casualties in Gaza and accusing the Australian government of ignoring Palestinian perspectives.

Police and some protesters clashed in Sydney’s city center. The NSW government, under newly enacted “major events” laws, restricted protest areas and deployed significant police resources to maintain order. Supporters of Herzog argue the visit symbolizes democratic solidarity and condemnation of hate. Both Israeli and Australian leadership framed the visit as promoting anti-hate unity and strengthening diplomatic and social ties.

Australia’s One Nation party, once considered a fringe political force, has recently seen a surge in poll support, at one point exceeding the backing of the traditional opposition Liberal Party. Latest results show the party’s primary vote reaching around 27%, far higher than the Liberal Party’s approximate 15% within the coalition.

Led by veteran Senator Pauline Hanson, One Nation has been steadily expanding its base. Hanson publicly stated that the party is prepared to play a core role in federal politics, exploring the possibility of serving as the opposition or potentially forming government in the future. She emphasized that nothing can stop the party from becoming the opposition and is actively seeking to win more voter support.

The party’s surge is closely tied to its policy positions. Hanson has focused on limiting immigration, strengthening border control, and criticizing current immigration systems, arguing they exacerbate housing, healthcare, and employment pressures—resonating with voters concerned about affordability and living costs. The party also supports nuclear energy development, extending existing coal plant lifespans, and building domestic gas reserves, while opposing Australia’s carbon reduction commitments under the Paris Agreement, aiming to attract voters alienated by current energy and climate policies.

Political figures, activists, and multicultural advocates criticize the party for using fear and divisive issues to manipulate voter sentiment, undermining social cohesion. Senate government leader and Foreign Minister Penny Wong called for national unity and emphasized Australia’s multicultural makeup, rejecting hate and division. Many Liberal and National Party members remain wary of One Nation’s rise, concerned about losing right-wing core votes and prompting internal coalition policy and leadership discussions. While cooperation on some issues may be possible, mainstream conservative parties remain skeptical of One Nation’s ability to govern stably.