Barnaby Joyce, a prominent figure within the National Party, is facing mounting pressure to clarify his political allegiances. This comes after senior Nationals urged him to end the speculation surrounding his future with the party. The controversy erupted following Joyce’s decision to skip a crucial party room meeting on Monday, despite his assurance that he would continue to sit with his colleagues in Parliament.
During the meeting, the opposition’s net zero emissions policy was a key topic of discussion. Joyce, a known critic of the 2050 climate target, reiterated his opposition, citing it as a source of his discontent within the party. Despite the tension, party leader David Littleproud extended an olive branch, inviting Joyce back to the party room. However, former leader Michael McCormack and Nationals federal president Kay Hull expressed less tolerance for Joyce’s actions.
Speculation of Defection to One Nation
Reports have surfaced, revealing that Joyce has been in advanced discussions with Senator Pauline Hanson about potentially joining One Nation. Such a move could have significant implications for the Nationals, who would lose a seasoned politician, a two-time former leader, and a key fundraiser.
Joyce has hinted that this parliamentary term might be his last representing New England, though he has not ruled out a possible return to the Senate, potentially under the One Nation banner. His actions have sparked debate, with some accusing him of attempting to “have his cake and eat it too” by avoiding party meetings while maintaining his seat with the Nationals.
Joyce’s Stance on Net Zero
In a series of interviews, Joyce defended his decision to skip the party meeting, emphasizing his focus on policy. He reiterated his strong opposition to the net zero emissions target, arguing that it is detrimental to regional communities.
“Net zero is devastating for regional people … my position is adamantly against net zero, not an amelioration of net zero, or sort of a refinement of net zero, or an amendment of net zero. I want to get rid of net zero,” Joyce stated.
Former leader McCormack, who had previously collaborated with Joyce to oppose the net zero target, criticized Joyce for abandoning the party room. McCormack stressed the importance of unity within the party, noting that their success has historically been rooted in teamwork.
Internal Reactions and Future Prospects
Joyce’s media appearances on Monday, including two doorstop interviews in Canberra and multiple TV interviews, have drawn mixed reactions. Kay Hull described Joyce’s ongoing media commentary as “unhelpful,” urging him to focus on representing his constituency as a National.
Hull pointed out that there is a precedent for MPs returning to the party room after a period on the crossbench, citing the examples of Darren Chester, Kevin Hogan, and Llew O’Brien. She suggested that Joyce could follow a similar path, emphasizing the need for patience and reflection.
“Those three MPs are all now sitting in the party room and contributing significantly. Sometimes you just need to take a breath,” Hull remarked.
Implications for the Nationals
The uncertainty surrounding Joyce’s political future poses potential challenges for the Nationals. Losing a figure of Joyce’s stature could impact the party’s fundraising capabilities and influence in regional areas. Moreover, his departure could alter the dynamics within the Coalition, particularly concerning climate policy and regional interests.
As the situation unfolds, the Nationals face the task of managing internal divisions while maintaining a cohesive strategy. The party’s response to Joyce’s actions will likely shape its approach to upcoming electoral challenges and policy debates.
For now, the political landscape remains in flux, with Joyce’s next move closely watched by both supporters and critics. The coming weeks will be pivotal in determining whether he remains with the Nationals or embarks on a new political journey.
