7am The Coalition is in crisis (again)
Sep 21, 2025
Karen Middleton, a seasoned press gallery journalist and political commentator, dives into the Coalition's mounting crises. She discusses the fallout from sacked frontbencher Jacinta Nampajimpa-Price's immigration remarks and the fierce internal battles over climate policy. The conversation also touches on the renewed debate around nuclear energy and the challenges facing Susan Ley in uniting the party. Finally, Karen highlights how global right-wing trends are impacting local politics and what steps Ley must take to recover from dismal poll ratings.
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Frontbencher's Immigration Remarks Spark Sacking
- Senator Jacinta Nampajimpa-Price claimed there were "too many Indian migrants" and suggested Labor was importing them for votes during an ABC interview.
- Her refusal to apologise led Susan Lee to sack her from the front bench to repair relations with Indian-Australians.
Climate Debate Mirrors Factional War
- A persistent right-wing faction in the Coalition resists strong climate action and opposes net zero by 2050.
- This faction uses the climate debate as a proxy for factional infighting that destabilises Susan Lee's leadership.
Shadow Minister's Provocative Net Zero Comment
- Andrew Hastie gave a radio interview implying he'd lose his job if the Coalition adopted net zero, then appeared to ride that statement as a challenge.
- His comments have been interpreted as a direct threat to Susan Lee's front bench stability.