The NSW koala wars showed one thing: the Nationals appear ill-equipped to help rural Australia

Abstract

<p>This morning, NSW Nationals leader John Barilaro capitulated on a threat to tear apart the state government over new koala protections. For now, the government remains intact. However the Nats' campaign to loosen environmental protections that affect farmers will continue to destabilise the Coalition in the longer term.</p> <p>The dramatic events of the past 24 hours have cast doubt on whether such a blustering, short-sighted political party has what it takes to lead rural Australia. The NSW Nationals have been entrusted with seven ministerial portfolios – from agriculture to trade and early childhood. But they were willing to throw it away over the fine print of a single planning policy.</p>