Australian politics is facing a seismic shift as former Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce prepares to abandon the National Party and join Pauline Hanson's One Nation in a stunning defection that could reshape the political landscape.
The Wagyu Dinner That Changed Everything
The dramatic political move comes after Joyce accepted Hanson's invitation for a meal in her parliamentary office on Tuesday, where the pair shared wagyu steak from Gina Rinehart-owned 2GR, accompanied by red wine, salad and berry pie. Witnesses described the atmosphere as jovial, with both politicians laughing and smiling throughout the encounter.
Joyce's disillusionment with the Coalition's net-zero policy has been brewing for months, with the former Nationals leader becoming increasingly vocal about his disagreements with the party's environmental stance. Despite the Coalition's recent backflip to opposing the policy in the past fortnight, the change of heart appears to have come too late to retain Joyce's loyalty.
Political Earthquake Looms
The defection represents more than just a symbolic blow to the Coalition. Joyce brings with him his safe seat of New England and is expected to draw significant supporter numbers to One Nation. The latest Newspoll data reveals the magnitude of this shift, showing One Nation's primary vote at a record high of 15 per cent, while the Coalition languishes at a record low of 24 per cent.
Joyce had been carefully managing expectations about his decision, telling reporters in Canberra on Monday: "I don't want any circus. I am trying to wait until the end of the week." However, the dinner with Hanson appears to have accelerated his timeline, with the formal announcement now scheduled for a 1.30pm press conference this afternoon.
Nationals Keep Door Open
Despite the impending defection, Nationals Leader David Littleproud maintained a conciliatory tone earlier this week. "He's still a member of the party room and we welcome him back," Littleproud said on Monday, before the fateful dinner between Hanson and Joyce. "That offer is still there and the party room would be happy for him to walk back in at any time."
The move signals a significant realignment in Australian conservative politics, with One Nation poised to gain its most high-profile convert to date. Joyce's defection comes at a critical juncture for both parties, potentially creating a new power dynamic that could influence policy direction and voter allegiances across regional Australia.
Political analysts are watching closely to see how this development will affect the Coalition's stability and whether other Nationals MPs might follow Joyce's lead in abandoning the traditional conservative alliance.
