Statement: Principled Resignation from the Shadow Ministry

This evening, I presented my letter of resignation as Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Sovereign Capability, to Opposition Leader Sussan Ley.

This follows a decision by the Nationals Party Room yesterday to not support the Government’s rushed Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Criminal and Migration Laws) Bill 2026.

A copy of this letter is below.:

Dear Ms Ley,

As you are aware, The Nationals’ Party Room made the decision to vote against the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Criminal and Migration Laws Bill 2026).

The Nationals abstained from voting against the legislation in the House of Representatives until we could move amendments in the Senate that provided protections against potential unintended consequences to the freedoms of everyday Australians.

When these amendments were voted down in the Senate, the National Party as per our Party Room’s clear decision and direction voted against the bill.

Opposing this Bill was a principled decision of the Party Room made in the national interest. The entire National Party shadow ministry is equally bound and committed to this decision and therefore the consequences that may result.

The Leader of The Nationals advised you in writing that should you accept the offer of resignations from the three shadow cabinet ministers that voted against the Bill in the Senate, the entire National Party ministry would resign to take collective responsibility.

Therefore, I hereby tender my resignation from the position of Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Sovereign Capability in your shadow ministry.

Your sincerely,

Andrew Willcox MP
Federal Member for Dawson