Nationals MP Colin Boyce deliberately avoided all of his party's crucial meetings in Canberra last week, as his colleagues engaged in heated debates over whether to support significant hate crimes and gun legislation. This revelation, confirmed by 7NEWS, highlights growing tensions within the Coalition and fuels speculation about Boyce's political future.
Boyce Defends Absence and Denies One Nation Move
Colin Boyce, who represents the electorate of Flynn in central Queensland, stated that he knew he would vote against those proposed laws and therefore saw no need to attend the Nationals' party room discussions. This decision has intensified rumours that Boyce might follow the lead of New England MP Barnaby Joyce and defect to One Nation.
In an exclusive interview with 7NEWS on Tuesday, Boyce categorically denied any immediate plans to join Pauline Hanson's party. "At this point in time right now, categorically no. I will not be joining One Nation," he asserted. However, he added a significant caveat, noting that "a day's a long time in politics and the political chessboard keeps changing."
Criticism of Nationals Leadership
Boyce was also highly critical of Nationals Leader David Littleproud's recent actions. Littleproud initiated a broader Coalition split after the Liberals and Nationals failed to agree on a joint position regarding hate crimes laws. This disagreement led three Nationals Senators—Susan McDonald, Bridget McKenzie, and Ross Cadell—to cross the floor and vote against the bill, aligning with the Liberal party's stance. Subsequently, they resigned from the Coalition shadow ministry, with Sussan Ley accepting their resignations.
Boyce expressed strong disapproval of Littleproud's decisions, telling 7NEWS, "David has made some bad decisions recently, I think. He's said some things he shouldn't have said." He further warned that "potentially, the National Party is committing political suicide doing this," and argued that the Coalition had turned a political advantage following the Bondi terrorist attack into "a monumental disaster."
Political Background and Implications
Colin Boyce previously served in the Queensland Parliament, representing the seat of Callide from 2017 to 2022. He resigned to enter federal politics, winning the seat of Flynn in 2022. With a background as a qualified boilermaker, experience in the coal and gas industry, and cattle grazing, Boyce's political views closely align with Barnaby Joyce's. A potential move to One Nation could significantly boost the party's prospects in regional Queensland, where it might secure up to a dozen seats in the 2028 federal election.
One Nation's Rising Support
Recent polling indicates a shift in Australian political dynamics. A new DemosAU poll of 1,933 Australians, conducted from January 13 to January 21, shows One Nation surpassing the Coalition by three percentage points. The primary votes are as follows:
- Labor: 30 per cent
- One Nation: 24 per cent
- Coalition: 21 per cent
- Greens: 13 per cent
- Others: 12 per cent
The poll also revealed that more Australians prefer Pauline Hanson (26 per cent) as prime minister over Sussan Ley (16 per cent), though Anthony Albanese leads both with 36 per cent. This data underscores the growing challenge One Nation poses to the traditional Liberal and Labor duopoly, adding context to the speculation surrounding Boyce's potential defection.
The rift between Sussan Ley and David Littleproud appears unlikely to be resolved soon, further complicating the Coalition's internal cohesion. As political tensions escalate, Boyce's actions and statements will continue to be closely watched, potentially influencing the broader landscape of Australian politics.
