Australia's Liberal-National coalition - currently the nation's main opposition political party - has split after a partnership lasting almost 80 years. The move marks a seismic change in the country's political landscape and comes just weeks after a federal election that saw Labor win a second term in a landslide victory.

Australia's National Party has split from its conservative coalition partner of over 60 years, the Liberal Party, citing policy differences over renewable energy and after a resounding loss at a national election this month.

Deputy opposition leader Ted O’Brien says former prime minister John Howard’s criticism of the Coalition split is “spot on”. Howard yesterday damned the split as a stupid move that threatens to deepen the differences between the Nationals and Liberal Party. Speaking this morning on Sky, O’Brien said Howard was correct in his assessment.