By Lily Nothling
Copyright abc
More evidence of dysfunction in the Canberra Liberals has been revealed, with the party’s only two backbenchers shut out of decision-making.
The party’s former leader — now backbencher — Elizabeth Lee said the change set a “dangerous precedent”.
The Liberal shadow cabinet has adopted a new set of principles, seen by the ABC, which excludes backbenchers from key discussions about policies and strategies.
Ms Lee, who was rolled as the party’s leader after its 2024 election defeat, said the decision overturned one of the most fundamental conventions of the Liberal Party.
“Backbenchers, as duly preselected and elected members, have the right to participate fully in the party room and to advocate for their communities,” Ms Lee said.
Ms Lee said there was no consultation with backbenchers before the change was agreed to by the shadow cabinet.
“Following this, I consulted with Liberal backbenchers in other states and with senior federal Liberal staff,” she said.
“They confirmed that, in every other division, backbenchers play a critical role in shaping policy positions and, in the federal party, are consulted by shadow ministers before decisions are taken to shadow cabinet.
“That is how the Liberal Party has always worked, and how it continues to work everywhere else.”
Leanne Castley, who was elected to the top job in October, did not respond to questions about why the decision was made and its implications for party unity.
Instead, she said the Liberals needed an “all hands on deck” approach to achieve a change in government.
Ms Lee said she had no intention of re-joining the shadow cabinet.
Decision follows Cain’s resignation
Tensions have been simmering within the Canberra Liberals for some time.
Peter Cain resigned from the shadow cabinet in June, citing concerns over the party’s leadership and alluding to issues around workplace culture.
He previously held the shadow ministries of attorney-general, planning and housing services.
In an interview with ABC Stateline last week, Ms Castley said she had the support of the party room and maintained an open line of communication with her colleagues.
“We’ve had a number of party room meetings over the last week or so and the team are all on board,” Ms Castley said.
“Peter is in the chamber making speeches, as is Elizabeth, and they know — we discuss it often — that the door is always open when they’re ready, if they would like to take on some portfolios.”
At the time, Ms Castley denied some MLAs were being frozen out of meetings.
She said she welcomed discussions about dissenting views but said no one had raised issues recently.
She also acknowledged that as backbenchers, Mr Cain and Ms Lee had the opportunity to cross the floor if their opinions did not align with the rest of the party.
