Barnaby Joyce has informed his supporters of his decision to leave the Nationals and not seek re-election for his New England seat, sparking speculation about a potential shift to One Nation. This announcement follows recent comments from Coalition figures suggesting that Joyce was contemplating a move to Pauline Hanson’s party.
Pauline Hanson, leader of One Nation, was in Joyce’s electorate for a party event when she addressed the rumors. While she did not confirm any discussions with Joyce about joining her party, she expressed support for his potential switch, stating, “I’ll encourage him: Barnaby, I’ll open doors for you. Come across to One Nation. I think he’s got a lot to offer in politics.”
Joyce’s Fractured Relationship with the Nationals
Sky News reported a statement from Joyce, allegedly sent to local party members, indicating a breakdown in his relationship with the Nationals leadership, rendering his position in the party untenable. The statement also mentioned Joyce’s decision not to contest the New England seat again but to remain in parliament on the crossbench for the remainder of this term while exploring future options.
The Guardian Australia has not seen the statement, but a source within the Nationals confirmed Joyce’s intention to resign from the party. Joyce has not responded to media inquiries, and Nationals leader David Littleproud has also been unavailable for comment. The lack of communication has left many within the Nationals uncertain about Joyce’s next move.
Confusion and Speculation Within the Nationals
Amidst the confusion, some Nationals members reported that Joyce had communicated his plans to the party’s national executive, while others claimed they had not heard from him directly. This has led to internal speculation that Joyce might consider running for the Senate under the One Nation banner in the next federal election.
A spokesperson for One Nation declined to comment on the speculation, neither confirming nor denying the possibility of Joyce joining the party. Meanwhile, Hanson, during her visit to Tamworth, reiterated her openness to Joyce joining One Nation, despite not planning to meet him during her trip.
Tensions and Political Alignments
Since the federal election on May 3, tensions between Joyce and Littleproud have been simmering. Joyce, relegated to the backbench, has been vocal about his opposition to the Nationals’ stance on net zero by 2050 carbon policies, even introducing a private member’s bill to challenge the plan.
Hanson emphasized Joyce’s alignment with One Nation’s policies, stating, “We’re on the same page. Barnaby is actually more aligned with One Nation than what he is with the National party. He’s been shut down in the National party. They put him on the backbench, out of the way.”
“Barnaby Joyce has a lot to offer in politics,” Pauline Hanson remarked, highlighting the potential impact of his move to One Nation.
Implications and Future Prospects
Joyce’s potential shift to One Nation could significantly alter the political landscape, bringing his influence and experience to a party known for its populist policies. This move could also affect the Nationals’ dynamics, especially if Joyce’s departure inspires other members to reconsider their positions.
As Joyce contemplates his next steps, the political community watches closely. The implications of his decision could resonate beyond his immediate political future, potentially influencing broader party strategies and alignments in Australian politics.
Moving forward, Joyce’s actions will be scrutinized, with many anticipating whether his departure will lead to a more significant reshuffle within the Nationals or bolster One Nation’s presence in parliament. Only time will reveal the full impact of Joyce’s political journey.
