UPDATE: In a stunning political shift, Barnaby Joyce has officially announced his resignation from the National Party after over 30 years. The announcement came during a blunt 90-second speech delivered earlier today, just before Question Time in the Australian Parliament.
Joyce’s resignation marks a significant turning point in Australian politics, as he is widely expected to defect to Pauline Hanson’s One Nation. This decision follows weeks of speculation regarding his future and dissatisfaction with the current party leadership.
“This is about as far away as you can get from the dispatch box,” Joyce stated, expressing his frustration with the National Party’s lack of communication. “I’ve had no communication… with the leader of the Nationals. And that’s disappointing,” he added, underscoring his discontent with the party’s direction and priorities.
Joyce, known for his fiery rhetoric, criticized the party for neglecting critical issues such as the cost-of-living crisis and the deteriorating state of rural healthcare. “We have rural hospitals without doctors,” he lamented. “If I’m going to continue that fight, I need to be in a better position than the ejection chair in the backbench of the coalition in opposition.”
The political drama escalated further after a private dinner with Hanson in her Canberra office on November 25, which fueled rumors of Joyce’s impending switch to One Nation. Observers noted playful gestures from independent MPs during his speech, indicating a keen anticipation of his next move.
Sources indicate that Hanson has been actively courting Joyce for months, viewing him as a crucial asset who could enhance One Nation’s credibility and broaden its appeal. Recent polling suggests a surge in support for One Nation, particularly among disillusioned voters in regional areas—where the Liberal Party’s support has plummeted to historic lows.
In light of these developments, all eyes are on Joyce’s next steps. He has previously declared he would not seek re-election for his seat in New England, leaving the door open for a potential Senate run with One Nation. This strategic move could position him as a key player in the upcoming political landscape.
As Joyce’s defection appears imminent, the ramifications for both the National Party and One Nation could be significant, potentially reshaping the dynamics in the Australian Parliament. Stay tuned for updates on this rapidly developing story.
