In a dramatic turn for Australian politics, regional heavyweight Barnaby Joyce has announced he will resign from the National Party and not contest his New England seat at the next election – a move that has renewed speculation he may align with Pauline Hanson’s One Nation.
Joyce’s announcement comes amid long‑running tensions within the Nationals and growing frustration over the party’s support for net zero emissions targets, which he says undermines regional interests. “We have had an irreparable breakdown in relations” with party leadership, Joyce said in his statement, likening the rift to a “broken marriage.”
Though he will complete his current term as an independent, Joyce said he is now “free to consider all options” in the post‑election landscape – phrasing that many interpreters view as a signal he is weighing a switch to One Nation.
Hanson signals welcome, denies hard recruitment
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson, who visited New England around the same time of Joyce’s announcement, stopped short of claiming active recruitment – but made clear she would welcome him. “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,” she told supporters.
Hanson also implied ideological alignment. “He’s got more in common with our party than he does with the National Party now,” she said.
Still, Hanson declined to confirm whether direct talks have already occurred.
Strategic blow to Nationals, Coalition instability
Joyce’s departure risks deepening fractures within the Nationals and the broader Coalition opposition. Party sources say the move would deal a blow to Nationals leader David Littleproud and sow further uncertainty in opposition ranks.
A shock defection by Joyce – a former deputy prime minister and party leader – could lend One Nation its first presence in the House of Representatives. Analysts suggest that could reinvigorate the party’s appeal in regional Australia.
The timing is delicate: Joyce’s decision follows his demotion from the opposition frontbench earlier this year, which he publicly criticised as unfair and politically motivated.
Policy convergence or opportunism?
Observers note that Joyce has long positioned himself in opposition to net zero emission policies – a stance shared by One Nation – and recently introduced private legislation aimed at dismantling the 2050 target.
Some suggest the defection would reflect not just personal grievances but a wider realignment in regional politics, as many voters feel alienated from the major parties over climate, energy and infrastructure issues.
Whether Joyce’s move ultimately materialises remains uncertain. But one thing is clear: his exit marks a turning point – not just for the Nationals, but for the evolving landscape of right‑wing politics in regional Australia.
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