Coalition split on hate laws puts shadow ministry future of three Nationals in doubt

National Party frontbenchers who split with the Liberals to vote against Labor’s hate crime laws are expected to soon quit the shadow ministry, putting further pressure on Opposition Leader Sussan Ley’s position.

Bridget McKenzie, Ross Cadell and Susan McDonald breached shadow cabinet solidarity by opposing the hate bill in the Senate on Tuesday night — defying Ms Ley’s authority.

It came after Ms Ley had cut a deal with Anthony Albanese to help pass the reforms. The National and Liberal party rooms will meet separately on Wednesday to discuss the split vote, with Ms Ley and her leadership team expected to decide the consequences.

Senator McKenzie openly conceded on Sky News that their decision to oppose reforms could cost her and colleagues their ministries.

The Nationals Senate leader admitted she was “aware” of the rules she was bound by under cabinet solidarity.

“I’m very aware of the conventions of parliament, and I will be doing what I’ve always done, which is trying to do my very best to conduct my career here with integrity,” Senator McKenzie said.

Coalition frontbencher Ross Cadell also accepted on air that he might be sacked after crossing the floor.

Government sources say they are expecting further chaos in the Coalition with mass resignations to occur from the opposition frontbench.

“The Liberals yesterday wouldn’t back the gun laws because the Nationals were so opposed to them and then after getting their way on firearms the Nats walked out on the hate speech laws - the Liberals are furious”, one Labor figure said.

The decision to work with Labor has fractured the Coalition, with Nationals leader David Littleproud releasing a statement overnight declaring his party would vote against the bill.

In the statement he claimed that the decision wasn’t a reflection of the Coalition’s relationship.

“The Nationals support the intent of the legislation, but we must get it right,” he said.

“The legislation needs amendments to guarantee greater protections against unintended consequences that limit the rights and freedom of speech of everyday Australians and the Jewish community.

“This decision does not reflect on the relationship within the Coalition.”

Mr Littleproud, himself, had abstained from the vote in the House, while other key figures decided to follow suit in the Senate.

It included Liberal recruit Jacinta Price, who opted not to be in the chamber during the vote about 11pm on Tuesday.