05/02/2026
Andrew Hastie Isn’t On Our Side
by Dave Pellowe
Andrew Hastie MP just posted a screenshot of his social media reply to some criticism, which makes it very hard to believe he’s on the side of authentic Christians, conservatives or common sense.
I’ve watched, bemused, as conservatives and couch commentators have been trumpeting the triumphs of Andrew Hastie’s parliamentary leadership since the last election. There’s no doubt that if he led the Liberal Party in Australia like he led troops on the battlefield, the Liberal Party wouldn’t be plummeting in relevance, and I wouldn’t be writing this article. Yet leadership isn’t a position; it’s a habit.
There’s little evidence of Hastie’s political courage, despite having been elected more than a decade ago, in September 2015. Indeed, it’s hardly debatable that Hastie has been “playing the long game”, a euphemism for not being willing to speak out or stand up, but rather to be a good little soldier for the betterment of one’s political career.
“Long gamers” rationalise that strategy by arguing they can’t have a positive influence if they have no influence. They can’t fight for their values if they get relegated to the backbenches to serve out their terms without voice or influence. It sounds credible — but it’s not.
Wasting ten years of opportunities to speak up and lead is incredible.
During the same time as Andrew Hastie failed to make a name for himself as an “outspoken” representative of common sense and liberty, far more courageous coalition MPs like George Christensen, Cory Bernardi, Eric Abetz, Barnaby Joyce, Matt Canavan, Gerard Rennick, Alex Antic and Jacinta Price distinguished their service with fearless anti-moderate campaigns.
Has he been in front of cameras and top of headlines defending common sense conservatism on such a regular basis that he’s known as one of those brave few? Would those names who either left the Coalition or lost preselections might have lasted longer if quiet conservatives weren’t so demure?
I’m not saying he’s never stood up, but he’s certainly kept his head down — playing “the long game” — while true political leaders have charged the enemy lines.
I first had a serious crack at him during the last federal election when he explained why women don’t belong in front-line combat roles, and then said he wasn’t saying that women don’t belong in front-line combat roles when pressed by a journalist.
Read more: https://dailydeclaration.org.au/2026/02/05/andrew-hastie-isnt-on-our-side/
