Perrottet could be out by Christmas. There must be something in the water
However, when it became clear that the all-powerful cross faction in Parliament would not play along without a majority, the Liberals voted for Labour. Standing by their line, the Nationals split with their coalition partner to resist changes in the Labor Party at large. It was a spectacular failure in terms of political strategy and did nothing other than expose a growing rift in the coalition.
But it also begged the question: do NSW Liberals still know what they stand for?
ASU Secretary Angus McFarland, NSW Premier Chris Minns and Attorney General Michael Daley on a tour of Malabar Wastewater Treatment Plant to discuss the NSW Government’s plan to amend the Constitution Act 1902 to protect Sydney Water and Hunter Water from privatisation.Credit: NCA Newswire
While Labor emphasized its commitment to keeping government assets in public hands, the Liberals’ key campaign campaign message was that they were the superior manager of the economy. Under a coalition government, Perrottet stressed, the state would be in safer hands financially. His entire re-election campaign revolved around this very argument.
But since the electoral defeat, the Liberals’ only constant grip on the new administration has been to fund the $100 Active Kids Coupon, the popular program that helps parents fund after-school activities. The vouchers, which cost the government $200 million annually, will not be funded beyond June 30. For them to continue, Labor must find the money to pay them.
The Liberals are asking Labor to make a commitment to keep Active Kids going (which many parents would welcome), while Labor insists they must not risk reckless spending and want to ensure that every dollar is well spent. How times change.
After every electoral defeat, the parties do, or at least should do, a soul-searching. In the case of the Liberal Party, in addition to solving internal problems, it also has to adjust to life in opposition, a transition it has not yet managed. (Likewise, Labor has yet to gain a foothold in government).
The coalition will face an election test long before the 2027 state election. Perrottet, now in the back seat, is expected to leave Parliament before Christmas. Others will follow, leaving the Liberals facing multiple by-elections, which are always a costly distraction. They are still gaining a foothold in the opposition, but the Liberals cannot risk losing their identity or they could help Labor move closer to majority rule.
Alexandra Smith is the state’s political editor.
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