Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has launched a scathing attack on the Liberal Party, branding the opposition a “shambles” consumed by internal warfare, as speculation continues over a leadership challenge to Sussan Ley.
Speaking in Adelaide on Saturday, where he announced an $800 million federal housing package for South Australia, Mr Albanese said the opposition had lost focus on the national interest and was instead fixated on infighting.
“They are in chaos and obsessed with fighting each other,” the Prime Minister said. “We are focused on the Australian people, their needs, and the national interest.”
Mr Albanese argued that a divided opposition was incapable of serving the public, saying internal hostility had come to define the former Coalition.
“You can’t fight for Australians if you’re consumed by fighting yourselves. That’s what the former Coalition has become,” he said.
The Prime Minister’s remarks come amid growing pressure on Liberal leader Sussan Ley from the party’s right wing, with former shadow treasurer Angus Taylor widely regarded as the most likely challenger. Mr Albanese condemned reports that senior Liberal figures had met privately in Melbourne to discuss Ms Ley’s leadership just hours before the funeral of former MP Katie Allen.
“To have people plotting to remove the first female leader of the Liberal Party while attending a funeral for someone respected across the political spectrum is beyond belief,” he said.
Meanwhile, Andrew Hastie has ruled himself out of the leadership contest, acknowledging he does not have the parliamentary support required. In a statement released late Friday, Mr Hastie said he had consulted colleagues and accepted their feedback.
His decision is widely seen as clearing the way for a potential future challenge by Mr Taylor, although no immediate move is expected. Mr Taylor, currently serving as defence spokesman, declined to clarify his intentions but praised Mr Hastie publicly as a “great asset” to the Liberal Party.
Ms Ley narrowly defeated Mr Taylor in the leadership ballot following Peter Dutton’s heavy election defeat in 2025.
While the opposition grapples with internal instability, Mr Albanese used the Adelaide visit to highlight the government’s housing agenda. He announced that almost 17,000 new homes would be built under the Commonwealth’s commitment to deliver 100,000 homes nationally for first-home buyers.
The $801.5 million package, unveiled alongside South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas, will fund nearly 7,000 homes in northern Adelaide, targeting young families and first-time buyers.
“Housing is tough right now,” Mr Albanese said. “That’s why we’re increasing supply — to give young Australians a fair chance at owning a home.”
