Andrew Hastie, a figure long considered a potential leader for the Liberal Party, may consider leaving the party if he perceives a lack of support from his colleagues, according to a political insider. This suggestion comes after Hastie publicly criticized Pauline Hanson's One Nation party, drawing a direct challenge from One Nation itself.
At a recent party room meeting, Hastie stated he would not "bend the knee" to Pauline Hanson's One Nation, a stance that contrasts with some within the Liberal Party who believe a deal with the minor party could be beneficial. Polls indicate One Nation is performing strongly, nearing Labor's numbers in several surveys. In response to Hastie's opposition, One Nation's chief strategist, James Ashby, announced the party would target Hastie's seat of Canning in the upcoming election. The former SAS captain has also faced criticism for his testimony in the defamation case involving Ben Roberts-Smith, which has reportedly led to security upgrades at his home and office.
Niki Savva, a columnist and former staffer to Peter Costello, wrote that Hastie's positions "have undoubtedly cost him support internally." Savva suggested that if Hastie feels "abandoned by the Liberal Party in this fight to the death, he will abandon the Liberal Party," describing such a departure as potentially "devastating" for the Opposition.
Simultaneously, political editor Peter van Onselen noted that Hastie appears to be positioning himself as a successor to current Liberal leader Angus Taylor. Van Onselen observed that Hastie's recent Tom Hughes Oration, ostensibly about artificial intelligence and national sovereignty, served as a "first public pitch to replace Angus Taylor as Liberal leader." The speech outlined arguments on national independence, energy, strategic vulnerability, and education standards, which van Onselen characterized as an "ambitious" and "new leadership manifesto" at a time when the party is seeking direction.
Hastie recently drew attention for mocking Hanson's call for a "monoculture" in Australia during an ABC interview. This occurred shortly after Taylor had declined to state whether he supported multiculturalism. Hastie questioned the practicality of enforcing a monoculture and suggested Hanson's references were outdated. In an email to supporters on June 26, Hastie declared, "One Nation has declared war on me, so they shall have war. I won’t be pushed around by One Nation. Nor will I bow the knee to them. This is now personal, and they will have to blast me out of Canning."
Hastie's email outlined four key points, stating that any talk of preferences from within the Liberal Party was premature and signaled weakness. He asserted that One Nation's focus on attacking Coalition MPs, rather than opposing the Labor government, was misguided. Hastie also articulated his policy aims, including ending mass migration, abandoning Net Zero policies, cutting taxes, preparing for AI advancements, and strengthening national security, with the ultimate goal of defeating the Labor government and forming a center-right government.