Colleen Harkin quits Australia's Liberal Party after praising One Nation
Liberal Party member and education think-tank director Colleen Harkin has resigned from Australia's Liberal Party after attending a One Nation fundraiser in Melbourne. ABC reports the move marks a new phase of internal tensions in the main opposition party.
Liberal Party member and Menzies Research Centre education director Colleen Harkin has resigned from the party after attending a One Nation fundraiser in Melbourne last week. According to ABC, Harkin praised One Nation leader Pauline Hanson at the event, which sparked debate inside the party leadership.
Harkin's resignation underscores how deep the tensions have become between the Liberal Party's right wing and its centrist line. The federal leadership has been working to retain public support in recent months; Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said in a statement that Harkin's stance does not align with the party line.
Analysts say the decision could shape the federal Liberal Party's voter base in Queensland and Western Australia, as well as possible coalition dynamics in upcoming state elections. Hanson, in her own statement, called Harkin « a courageous and honest » politician. The Liberal Party's national executive is expected to address the matter in coming days.
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