Barnaby Joyce Describes 'Traumatic' Exit from Nationals Party
One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce has opened up about the emotional toll of leaving the National Party, describing his defection as a "traumatic" experience comparable to divorce. The former Nationals leader, who joined Pauline Hanson's One Nation in December last year, revealed these personal reflections during an interview with the 7NEWS podcast The Issue.
Frosty Reception at Colleague's Funeral
Joyce detailed receiving a "cold reception" at the funeral of long-serving Nationals Senator Ron Boswell earlier this month. While acknowledging he understands and respects the feelings of his former colleagues, he contrasted this with what he described as overwhelming support from his New England electorate constituents.
"Walking in for lunch and people are clapping, it's just like, wow, and it's more emphasised in regional areas," Joyce said, highlighting the regional divide in political sentiment.
Potential Defections from Coalition Parties
The controversial MP confirmed that some Nationals and Liberals are considering following his lead and potentially joining One Nation. He emphasized the personal nature of such decisions, stating: "It's their decision. It's very traumatic. Getting out of a party is like getting divorced. It hurts and it's only for you to decide you want to do it."
Coalition Split and Political Fallout
Joyce's comments come amid significant turmoil within the Coalition, which experienced a public split following intense debate over Labor's hate crime laws. The disagreement saw three Nationals Shadow Ministers offer their resignations for breaching solidarity rules, which Opposition Leader Sussan Ley accepted.
The political tension escalated further with reports of a heated conversation between Nationals Leader David Littleproud and Liberal Leader Sussan Ley, though Littleproud denied claims he yelled at Ley and told her to resign.
Many political observers believe a contributing factor to the Coalition's difficulties is the latest Newspoll showing One Nation ahead of the Coalition on primary votes, with 22 percent compared to the Coalition's 21 percent. Labor maintained a lead with 32 percent.
High-Profile Support and Policy Directions
Joyce and Hanson have secured the backing of billionaire Gina Rinehart, who provided her private jet for the pair to tour flood-affected communities in northwest Queensland in January. When questioned about using private resources, Joyce responded: "Would you prefer the taxpayer fly us around? Would you prefer to have paid the bill?"
Looking toward the 2028 federal election, Joyce confirmed One Nation will campaign on populist policies focusing on immigration and energy. The former deputy prime minister acknowledged that cutting immigration would likely cause a temporary recession but argued the Australian economy needs fundamental restructuring.
"You build the dams, you build the railway lines, you get rid of your swindle factories (wind and solar farms) and your intermittent power, you build your coal fire power stations," Joyce outlined as part of his economic vision.
Personal Political Future
Joyce confirmed to The Issue that he will not recontest his New England seat but instead plans to run for a Senate position representing New South Wales in the 2028 federal election. This strategic move could potentially strengthen One Nation's presence in the upper house of parliament.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese weighed in on the political drama, stating: "The Liberal Party don't like each other, the National Party don't like each other, the Liberals don't like the Nationals. You have Nationals defecting to One Nation. It is chaos."
As political realignments continue to reshape Australia's political landscape, Joyce's defection and One Nation's rising influence signal potentially significant changes ahead of the next federal election cycle.
