Libby Mettam accused of prioritising ‘media stunts’ over parliamentary duties by Nationals MP Martin Aldridge

The Liberal-National alliance is at risk of collapse amid remarkable claims Libby Mettam is prioritising “media stunts” over her parliamentary duties and freezing the country party out of her decision-making. The West Australian can reveal Nationals MP Martin Aldridge is refusing to sit in joint party room meetings — and has offered to resign from shadow cabinet — following a sensational dust-up last month. Leaked emails lay bare his attack on the Liberal leader, which was sparked by her decision to leave State Parliament on a sitting day to hold a press conference at nearby King Edward Memorial Hospital. The media event — on February 22 — involved a pair of expectant Carnarvon mums detailing issues with the Patient Assisted Travel Scheme, which compensates regional West Australians forced to travel for a medical procedure. As shadow minister for regional health, Mr Aldridge has spent nearly three years raising concerns about the subsidy rates paid through PATS. But he was left out of the press conference, which was instead attended by Ms Mettam — the shadow health minister — and North West Central MP Mem Beard. Ms Beard defected from the Nationals to the Liberals in October in a bombshell betrayal that came just one year after she entered Parliament after a by-election. She is now slated to compete with Nationals leader Shane Love, who holds the mantle of formal Opposition Leader, in the newly created Mid West electorate. The press conference in question removed Ms Mettam and Ms Beard from Parliament during a vote on changes to tenancy laws, which included outlawing rent bidding and limiting rent increases to once a year. With Cottesloe MP David Honey also away on approved leave, the Liberals had no one in the chamber — leaving Mr Love and Peter Rundle as the only votes against the changes. That is understood to have infuriated the Nationals because Mr Rundle — who took the lead on the Bill for the Opposition — was originally inclined to support most of the amendments but was convinced by the Liberals to speak against them. Mr Aldridge first became aware of the PATS press conference when he saw a media statement circulated by Ms Mettam’s office the same day. In a complaint emailed to Mr Love and Ms Mettam, Mr Aldridge wrote he had been blindsided by the press conference. He also attacked Ms Mettam’s call for a review of the PATS scheme when its shortcomings were already well established, writing that it had already been “extensively reviewed” by a parliamentary committee, but the subsequent recommendations had not been implemented. “It appears to be the Opposition’s go-to position to call for a review, an inquiry, or a Royal Commission; however, in this instance, it cannot be justified and will only delay assistance needed by regional patients now,” Mr Aldridge wrote. In a subsequent email exchange, Mr Aldridge highlighted the Liberals’ failure to vote on the tenancy changes. “Perhaps if as much energy were placed on Parliament as media stunts, then situations like the (third reading vote) of the residential tenancies Bill would not have occurred,” Mr Aldridge said. “It is an indictment on the Liberal Party and the Opposition, and I understand it linked to the (media) statement in question. “I know nothing will change; however, the situation is untenable.” Ms Mettam shot back that it was “the National Party’s responsibility as Opposition to manage Parliament” that the Nationals “team” was aware of the press conference and that whip Mia Davies — who was also absent — should have organised pairs for Ms Mettam and Ms Beard. “That is the issue. I don’t believe it’s a major issue, and it certainly wasn’t a media ‘stunt’ we were involved in, but rather an important part of our job,” she said. Mr Aldridge replied again, expressing surprise at Ms Mettam’s attitude: “From someone who believes they want, if not deserve, to lead the Opposition!” “This is why I believe the current situation is untenable,” he added. “Yes, I agree that media is a part of our job, but not when the Parliament is sitting and the bells are ringing. Our constitutional duty is to vote.” In letter to Mr Love the following week, Mr Aldridge wrote the saga “does not demonstrate good faith in our parliamentary alliance”. “What is most objectionable is the fact (Ms Mettam) shows no contrition and, in fact, blames members of the Parliamentary National Party for her own failings,” he said. “As a member of the (Nationals), I cannot control who leads the (Liberal Party); that is a decision for their members alone, however. “Given her cavalier disregard for the Opposition Alliance and our members, I have no desire to participate in any further joint party room meetings while this matter remains unresolved.” He also offered to resign from shadow cabinet. “Whilst I understand that this presents challenges as a member of shadow cabinet, I will reconsider my position as a shadow minister as required.” Multiple Nationals sources told The West that relations with the Liberals had frayed since Ms Mettam replaced Dr Honey as Liberal leader. Ms Beard’s defection had exacerbated tensions. They took issue with Ms Mettam’s focus on maintaining a constant presence in the media cycle and claimed the country party was not adequately consulted about those appearances, despite Mr Love holding the title of Opposition Leader by virtue of the fact that the Nationals won more seats than the Liberals at the 2021 election. Trust had been eroded to the point one Nationals insider claimed they did not want to discuss policy ideas with the Liberals for fear they would be stolen. Three-cornered contests, including National, Liberal, and Labor candidates, appear increasingly likely across regional WA — and even in a raft of metropolitan seats being targeted by the country party in a bid to boost their Upper House vote. In a statement, Mr Love said the Liberal-National alliance had “worked well over the past 3½ years” but acknowledged there was no agreement “regarding the conduct of both political parties as we seek to contest the next election”. He said proactive attempts by the Nationals to reach such an agreement — including proposing a formal coalition — were yet to come to fruition. “The tensions exhibited in the email thread point to the need for an agreement to be made,” Mr Love said. He confirmed he had not accepted Mr Aldridge’s offer to resign from shadow cabinet, saying he had “done an excellent job”. in his portfolio on many issues”. Ms Mettam said her “No.1 priority” was highlighting issues that mattered to West Australians, including inadequate access to maternity services in the regions. “I make no apologies for using the limited resources the WA Liberals have to be a strong voice for people whose standard of living and daily lives have been impacted by the mismanagement of the Cook Government,” she said.