Colleen Harkin, a Victorian Liberal executive and former staffer to Senator Jane Hume, has quit the Liberal Party, signaling broad disaffection ahead of the Victorian state election after citing a lack of direction and conviction.

Harkin sent a note to the committee saying she would be a no-show for a meeting, acknowledging attendance at the One Nation event and noting the movement’s growing footprint alongside other Liberals involved in teal initiatives.

Harkin highlighted years of concern about the party’s direction, despite loyal service as a volunteer, donor, fundraiser, and campaigner, including a bid in 2022 for Macnamara.

Harkin publicly described the Liberal Party as being in a state of strain and disarray.

Harkin suggested she would support One Nation at the polls, reflecting growing openness to the populist party among some Liberal members.

Her resignation follows a week after attending a One Nation fundraiser in South Melbourne on June 12, 2026, and she now indicates she will likely vote for One Nation unless circumstances change.

Jane Hume warned that ongoing legal actions against the party can fuel Labor’s narrative and distract supporters and donors, underscoring internal difficulties for the Liberals.

There are more developments to come as the situation unfolds ahead of the Victoria state election.

Hume cited Harkin’s Supreme Court case over the party’s $1.55 million loan to cover defamation costs tied to Moira Deeming, framing it as a sign of rising disaffection.

Harkin’s departure also affects the ongoing Pesutto-era legal action, with lead plaintiff roles potentially shifting in the Supreme Court case related to that loan.

Observers have noted a lack of policy conviction as a driver of defections.

Federal Liberal President Tony Abbott reportedly remains active in persuading Sydney’s Northern Beaches and other branches to stay with the Liberals amid defections to One Nation.