Coalition Reunites With Controversial Shadow Ministry as Internal Tensions Simmer

Australia's Liberal-National Coalition officially reunited Wednesday with the announcement of a new shadow ministry, but the appointments have sparked internal criticism and raised questions about party unity ahead of the next federal election.

The developments emerged during interviews on ABC's Afternoon Briefing program, where National Party Senate leader Bridget McKenzie and former party leader Barnaby Joyce outlined their positions on the reunification and controversial shadow cabinet selections.

Reunification Details:

The Coalition partnership was restored after the National Party secured Liberal agreement on four key policy positions, including supermarket divestiture powers. McKenzie emphasized that Liberal Party acceptance of these demands was crucial to rebuilding trust between the parties.

"We were sent to Canberra to do a job, and we don't take a backward step from doing that," McKenzie told ABC's Patricia Karvelas. "Now, the fact that the Liberal Party has agreed to our policy positions, that's a good thing."

Key Policy Agreements:

• Enhanced powers for the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission

• Potential divestiture capabilities for major supermarket chains

• Expanded regulatory oversight of big box retailers

• Strengthened competition enforcement mechanisms

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