Three days ago, I sent every member of my Shadow Ministry a 'Charter Letter'.
These letters provide clear direction and a tasking to shadow ministers beyond the conventional mirroring of government portfolios, putting the Coalition on a proactive policy path.
They set out key performance indicators, general expectations and shared policy priorities that I have personally agreed with each Shadow Minister. They enable the Coalition to develop a serious and credible policy platform to take to the next election, where we will draw a clear contrast with Labor.
These letters were developed in extensive consultation with individual members of the Shadow Ministry and were the product of more than 50 one-on-one conversations between me and my team, including with Andrew Hastie.
In each phone conversation, and then in each letter, I made clear that every member of the team was bound by the 'Shadow Ministerial Solidarity' Convention, both in public commentary and on parliamentary votes.
This expectation is not new and is a fundamental feature of our Westminster system of government. Compliance with this Convention has always been a prerequisite for serving in both Cabinet and Shadow Cabinet.
Today, Mr Hastie informed me via telephone, that he would be unable to comply with this longstanding and well-understood requirement, and on that basis he would be resigning his position as Shadow Minister for Home Affairs. Mr Hastie did not raise any matters relating to policy on this call.
I thanked Mr Hastie for his service, and assured him he would continue to be a very valued part of my Coalition team.
With news breaking today that ISIS brides have secretly returned to our shores - further confirmation that Labor has once again failed Australians on national security - this is a very important time for the Opposition to have a strong voice scrutinising government failures in the Home Affairs portfolio. Australians expect strong borders, but under Labor we are seeing secrecy at the expense of security. It is disappointing that this crucial Opposition portfolio has been left vacant today.
Formal changes to the Shadow Ministry will be announced shortly. In the interim, Senator James Paterson will serve as the Acting Shadow Minister for Home Affairs.
