Over the wekend he got his wish when Liberal leader Sussan Ley brokered a deal with Nationals leader David Littleproud.
“We need to present a united effort to hold the Albanese government to account and create a vision for a viable alternative - Australia's future depends on it,” he said.
“I work very well with my Liberal colleagues and any short-term disagreements on policy and process need to be resolved for the greater good.
“There were a lot of confused processes and unusual circumstances around the rushed hate group legislation at the end of January, as a result of the Prime Minister's actions, and I think that should be taken into account in understanding the way that the two parties and the Shadow Ministers reached different conclusions on legislation.”
After resigning from his shadow ministerial roles last month, Mr Birrell said his position had become untenable.
He stepped down following internal divisions over the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Criminal and Migration Laws Bill 2026) and said the Nationals supported the intent of the legislation but took issue with the “shambolic, rushed and ultimately unsatisfactory” way it was handled.
Their differences sparked a split in the Liberal National coalition for the second time since the Federal election last year.
Nationals leader, David Littleproud survived a leadership spill last Monday.
Mr Birrell said he supports Mr Littleproud and gave him and other party members “some very frank advice that they might not always agree with”.
“The Nationals party room has a culture where that is encouraged and respected,” he said.
“The Liberal leadership is a matter for their party … the collaborative working arrangement is what's important.”
Before stepping down, Mr Birrell was Shadow Assistant Minister for Regional Health and Regional Education, and said he would like to have responsibility for those again.
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