Post

Party Tensions Increase
_{Tensions within the NSW NRP continue to grow}
^{September 25th}

About a week after the NSW branch of the Nationals threatened to break away from the almost 100-year-old National Republican Coalition, the light at the end of the tunnel isn't looking any closer. Last week, the Republicans introduced a bill that would make it illegal to clear land unless it is proven that no koalas live in that area.

The bill, introduced in an effort to save Australia's falling koala population, was seen by the Nationals as overstepping the line between libertarianism and authoritarianism, especially for the Nationals' voter base, farmers. Under the new legislation, farmers won't be able to clear their own land or use their own land if koalas reside within it. For the over 300 000 Australians employed in agriculture, this legislation is very bad news.

NSW National leader and Deputy Premier John Barilaro said that the bill was 'disgraceful to rural Australians' and said he 'won't let any inner-city folk' tell him what to do. Premier Gladys Berejiklian has mentioned that she 'is willing to compromise' on the bill, but that the protection of koalas and the roughly 200 000 native Australian animals will be the upmost priority.

The New South Wales Cabinet, which currently consists of many high ranking National and Republican politicians, will enter deliberations today to determine what compromises can be made to the bill, or if and how the NSW National Republican Coalition will split. The Federal government has guaranteed that if a split does go ahead, the Coalition will still remain in all states and territories, and will remain on a federal level.