Nationals leader David Littleproud has dismissed suggestions of a future coalition with One Nation as pure speculation.
Speaking on Sky News Australia, Littleproud said he would not engage in “hypotheticals” about political arrangements years away.
His comments came after One Nation leader Pauline Hanson suggested cooperation with the Coalition could be the only path to forming government.
Littleproud said One Nation posed a direct electoral threat to the Nationals and must be taken seriously.
Polling has added urgency to the response, with recent figures showing a notable shift of Coalition voters towards One Nation.
Despite the pressure, Littleproud insisted he would not fuel speculation that could amplify Canberra’s political noise.
