Federal Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce has announced he will not recontest his seat at the next federal election.
In a message to party members on Sunday, Joyce said his “relationship with the leadership of the Nationals,” had “irreparably broken down”.
It’s prompted speculation that he’s considering joining Pauline Hanson’s One Nation Party.
Hanson says Joyce would be welcome in her party, describing him as being “more aligned with One Nation,” than the Nationals.
Here’s the latest.
Barnaby Joyce
Joyce has been the member for New England (in northern NSW) since 2013.
Prior to his election to the House of Representatives, he spent nine years in the Senate.
Joyce has held the previous roles of party leader and Deputy Prime Minister (under the Turnbull and Morrison governments). He now serves as a Coalition backbencher.
Throughout his political career, Joyce has also been at the centre of several high-profile controversies.
Statement
In a statement to his supporters on Sunday, Joyce said: “I will not be standing for New England again but will complete my term as promised at the last election.”
The following day, he told Sky News he was “very sad” about the decision, but that it was no longer “conducive” to remain in the party.
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Joyce cited a breakdown in his relationship with Nationals leader David Littleproud “over a number of years”.
Littleproud described the news as a “disappointing” surprise.
Net zero
Following its election loss in May, there have been ongoing policy disagreements within the Liberal-National Coalition. For example, net zero.
Australia has legislated a pledge to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Joyce, a long-time critic of the target, introduced a bill to scrap it in July.
In a speech to Parliament, Joyce said Australians are being “done over” by net-zero energy policies.
“Net zero is going to have absolutely no effect on the climate whatsoever,” he said.
One Nation
Pauline Hanson has publicly welcomed speculation that Joyce is considering defecting to her party, One Nation.
One Nation is a right-wing party, known for its anti-immigration stance.
Hanson said “the door [is] open” for Joyce, noting his positions on net zero migration put them on the “same page”.
Joyce, who described himself as a “free agent”, confirmed he has spoken to Hanson, but declined to say whether their discussions involved a potential move.
