Thousands gathered at St Paul’s Cathedral in Melbourne today to pay their respects to former Liberal MP Katie Allen, who passed away in December after a battle with cancer. The memorial service, attended by over 1000 people, became a focal point for both mourning and political maneuvering within the Liberal Party.
Among the attendees were prominent figures such as former Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, Monash University Vice-Chancellor Professor Sharon Pickering, and former Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt, who delivered a eulogy. The service was a testament to Allen’s impact as a doctor, pediatrician, and politician, having transitioned from a successful medical career to serve in parliament.
Political Tensions at the Funeral
The funeral also served as a backdrop for the ongoing leadership tensions within the Liberal Party. Andrew Hastie and Angus Taylor, both contenders for the party leadership, were seen arriving together, fueling speculation about a potential challenge to current Opposition Leader Sussan Ley. The leadership speculation has been intensifying since the Coalition’s disintegration, following a controversial vote against hate speech law changes.
Senator James Paterson, a supporter of Ley, was present and reiterated his backing for her leadership, despite the growing unrest. Meanwhile, Taylor and Hastie continue to negotiate their positions, wary of splitting the conservative vote if both decide to run.
Background on the Leadership Struggle
The Liberal Party has been embroiled in internal conflict since the Coalition’s split, exacerbated by the Bondi terror attack and subsequent legislative responses. Ley’s leadership has been under scrutiny as the party struggles to resonate with the public, a sentiment echoed by Liberal Senator Jane Hume.
Hume emphasized the need for unity within the party, stating, “What I want to see, most importantly, is an opportunity to unify our party, unify the Liberal Party.”
Operation Metro Surge and Legal Challenges
Meanwhile, in the United States, a federal judge in Minnesota has sharply criticized US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for repeatedly violating court orders. Chief US District Judge Patrick J. Schiltz highlighted nearly 100 violations in 74 cases, suggesting the actual number could be higher. This criticism comes amid the Trump administration’s stringent immigration policies, particularly Operation Metro Surge, which has led to widespread arrests and protests.
“ICE has likely violated more court orders in January 2026 than some federal agencies have violated in their entire existence,” Schiltz remarked.
The Trump administration faces additional legal challenges from Minnesota’s attorney general and protesters, further complicating its immigration enforcement efforts.
International and Domestic Reactions
In Australia, the political landscape remains volatile, with the Liberal Party’s internal divisions mirrored by tensions within the National Party. Colin Boyce’s challenge to National Party leader David Littleproud adds another layer of complexity, as Boyce warns of “political oblivion” without change.
Simultaneously, NSW Premier Chris Minns has announced heightened security measures for Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s upcoming visit, amid planned protests by Palestinian activists. The visit follows the Bondi terror attack, and Minns stressed the importance of ensuring safety for Herzog and the community.
As these developments unfold, the Liberal Party’s leadership dynamics and Australia’s broader political environment continue to evolve, with implications for both domestic policy and international relations.
The next steps for the Liberal Party will likely involve strategic decisions regarding leadership and policy direction, as they seek to rebuild public trust and internal cohesion.
