Andrew Hastie tapping into public ‘sentiment’, demoted Liberal senator Jane Hume says
Liberal senator Jane Hume says she “can see where Andrew Hastie is coming from” as the Coalition battles itself to form a national policy platform.
As Sussan Ley works to build consensus in the Coalition following its decimation at the federal election through a “comprehensive review”, Mr Hastie has broadcast his vision for the Liberal Party through very public displays he insists do not undermine his boss.
Earlier this month, he threatened to quit shadow cabinet if Ms Ley pursued net zero.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.In a string of social media posts, he has also proclaimed an “Australia first” position, lamenting the collapse of Australia’s car makers and linking housing affordability to migration.
His outspokenness has sparked rumours he is gunning for the Liberal Party’s top job.
Senator Hume, who was one of the most powerful women in the Liberal Party before Ms Ley banished her to the backbench, said on Monday that Mr Hastie made some good points.
“The Coalition is working on its policy platform right now,” she told Sky News, adding that there were a “number of years before the next election”.
“We want to make sure that we get this right, that we’re listening to ordinary Australians.
“I can see where Andrew Hastie is coming from.
“He wants to see lower energy prices so that we can bring back manufacturing and an industrial base to Australia, and that’s a sentiment that I think is shared by a number of Australians.”
She said the Albanese government “has allowed migration to run out of control”, claiming it “brought in a million migrants over a period of just two years”.
“That’s put pressure on our infrastructure,” Senator Hume said.
“It’s put pressure on congestion, it’s put pressure on housing.
“Winding that back to sensible levels is an important policy – those things should be able to be said out loud.
“They’re important parts of public debate.”
She added that the “most important thing” was that the Coalition got its ducks in a row so it could deliver “not just a … credible opposition, but a credible alternative government at the next election”.
Senator Hume is one of the few remaining Liberal moderates after two consecutive election losses culled colleagues of her ilk.
Originally published as Andrew Hastie tapping into public ‘sentiment’, demoted Liberal senator says
