Former Cabinet Minister Ed Husic Blames Gaza Comments for Demotion, Attacks Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles

Former Labor cabinet minister Ed Husic attributed his demotion partly to his vocal stance on the Gaza conflict. He criticized Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles for his role in Husic's demotion, calling him a "factional assassin." The Liberal Party is reorganizing its ranks, with a leadership contest between Angus Taylor and Sussan Ley expected to be close. Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price has announced her candidacy for deputy Liberal leader under Angus Taylor.

In a significant move, the Australian Labor Party has seen the demotion of Ed Husic, the industry and science minister, and Mark Dreyfus, the attorney general, following a factional deal within the party. The decision, made on Thursday, was a result of the New South Wales right faction's push for an extra place in the ministry and the Victorian faction's desire for a larger representation in the cabinet [1].

Husic, known for his vocal stance on the Gaza conflict and his call for a cut in the corporate tax rate, was a vocal critic of Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, whom he accused of playing a significant role in his demotion. Marles, however, maintained that the decision was based on factional dynamics and not personal animosity [2].

Meanwhile, the Liberal Party is undergoing a leadership reshuffle with a contest between Angus Taylor and Sussan Ley. The race is expected to be close, with Taylor heralding the defection of Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price from the Nationals to the Liberal Party as a significant addition to his ticket. Price, who has faced criticism for her role in the voice to parliament referendum and her past comments about the Coalition, has announced her candidacy for deputy Liberal leader under Taylor [3].

These internal shifts within the Labor and Liberal parties come at a critical time as both parties seek to consolidate their positions following the recent federal election. The reshuffling of cabinet positions and the ongoing leadership contest highlight the ongoing power struggles and factional dynamics within the major political parties.

References:
[1] https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2025/may/08/australia-news-live-anthony-albanese-environment-labor-cabinet-liberal-leadership-sussan-ley-angus-taylor-ntwnfb?filterKeyEvents=false&page=with%3Ablock-681c57338f082cdfc1daa6ac
[2] https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/may/07/factional-shenanigans-labors-left-and-right-jostle-for-coveted-ministry-positions
[3] https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/may/09/sussan-ley-angus-taylor-liberal-party-leadership-contest