IN an unprecedented falling-out in federal politics, the entire National Party frontbench resigned from Liberal Party leader Sussan Ley’s shadow cabinet on Wednesday night following a bitter dispute over Labor’s hate crimes legislation.

The dramatic exodus has plunged the Coalition into its deepest internal crisis since the federal election last year, when the Nationals briefly split ranks with the Liberals.

The parties reunited one week later when four policy demands by the Nationals were met, including a commitment to nuclear power.

The latest crisis began Tuesday when three senior Nationals senators — Bridget McKenzie, Ross Cadell and Susan McDonald — voted against Labor’s Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Criminal and Migration Laws) Bill 2026, defying the agreed Coalition position to support the legislation with amendments.

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley accepted the three resignations from the shadow cabinet.

“Maintaining a strong and functioning Coalition is in the national interest,” Ms Ley said in a statement prior to last night’s walk-out.

“The Coalition exists to serve the Australian people. But Shadow Cabinet solidarity is not optional. It is the foundation of serious opposition and credible government.”

The list of Nationals MPs who quit the frontbench includes member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey, party leader David Littleproud, deputy leader Kevin Hogan, senators Bridget McKenzie, Ross Cadell and Susan McDonald and Darren Chester, Andrew Hastie, Pat Conaghan, Sam Birrell, Anne Webster and Andrew Willcox.

Nationals’ Deputy Leader Kevin Hogan said in a statement he resigned as a matter of principle.

“My Senate team of Senator Bridget McKenzie, Senator Susan McDonald and Senator Ross Cadell were forced to resign for taking a principled party room position. My National Shadow Ministry colleagues have resigned as well,” Mr Hogan said.

“I am a proud National. The rushed legislation could have untold impacts on free speech and this is not in the best interest of our country.

“I will always stand up for our country, even if the personal cost is great. Principle should triumph over politics every time,” he said.