Liberal frontbencher Dan Tehan stated that the Coalition is not considering a coalition or preference deal with One Nation. Tehan reaffirmed the party's intent to govern in a coalition with the Liberals and Nationals only.

Tehan said that a coalition-style arrangement with One Nation was not being discussed among his colleagues. "We do not want to be part of a coalition with One Nation. We want to be part of a coalition with the Liberal party and the National party," Tehan said. "What I want to be part of is a Liberal party and a National party that in coalition runs this country again."

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese characterized the situation by stating, "The problem is not their brand – it is their product. It is not their sales pitch – it is their policies." Albanese also commented that the fundamental contrast in Australian politics remains consistent, noting, "This is why, for all the shifts in the landscape over the years, the fundamental contrast in Australian politics remains the same. Our opponents only ever define themselves by who and what they are against."

Tehan indicated that the Coalition's policy agenda, including on migration, is set by its partyroom, not its executive. He pointed to Angus Taylor's budget-in-reply speech as laying the foundation for future policy, specifically mentioning migration levels in line with housing construction. "Angus Taylor, in his budget-in-reply speech, set the foundations of where we want to go. And, in particular, making sure that we have our migration levels in line with the amount of houses that are built in this nation so that we can rebalance our migration policy, we can rebalance to make sure that we are looking after Australians first," Tehan said.

A Guardian Essential poll indicated Labor with a primary vote of 30%, One Nation with 26%, and the Coalition with 23%. Tehan also commented on Tony Abbott, stating he had not heard Abbott's speech until shortly before appearing in a podcast interview and adding that Abbott "respects" party processes.

Why It Matters

These statements clarify the Coalition's official stance regarding potential alliances, particularly with One Nation. The comments by Dan Tehan directly address ongoing speculation about the party's future strategic partnerships and its internal policy-making processes concerning issues such as migration. Prime Minister Albanese's remarks offer a contrasting political assessment of the Coalition's direction. Private polls have shown shifts in voter support, which provides a backdrop for these discussions on coalition strategies and policies.