Former Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce is poised to make significant changes in his political career, announcing he will not recontest his seat of New England in the upcoming election. Joyce continues to look ahead though. He’s been courting One Nation, which makes one wonder if he wouldn’t be the ideal spoiler defector from the Nationals party. His latest dealings with One Nation’s Pauline Hanson and shots fired at the National Party signal a change in McCormack’s political affiliations.
In a candid moment with reporters, Joyce expressed his reluctance to focus on personal matters, stating he “didn’t want to talk about himself ‘that much’.” Never the less, Joyce’s no vote indicates a willingness to pursue less trodden political paths. His recent assurances that he is in talks with Hanson on cooperation on reforms implies a tactical alignment with One Nation.
Joyce’s announcement that he would not seek re-election in New England was a major watershed moment. In particular, he has been critical of the Nationals, and in many ways, is just as critical as the party he once led. This dissatisfaction is making him look for something different. He commented, “Well, it’s all open, isn’t it? So whoever proves themselves and could make a good leader for the party and make sure we’re getting our policies and what we want to do for the Australian people and represent them and to make the other political parties accountable,” highlighting his desire for effective leadership.
A Shift in Political Alliances
Barnaby Joyce’s increasing alliance with One Nation is a recently and highly unusual change to Australia’s ordinary political dynamic. As we all know Joyce has been extremely busy on the phone to Pauline Hanson over the last few weeks. They acknowledged that they had had six weeks ago and built upon those discussions over the weekend. This might be the developing relationship we’ve all been searching for. Joyce sees the opportunity for a strategic partnership that better reflects his vision for energy policy.
His frustrations with the Nationals have recently become more public as he considers his options. The junta Joyce suggests he won’t be a Nationals party room member when parliament returns next week. This move definitely adds to his attractiveness as a “free agent,” at least for the time being since he’s still with Washington.
Joyce’s excoriation of his now-former party rings true to the level of frustration by most members. More importantly, they’re worried about policies that would get us to net zero emissions. What is surprising to many is his belief that One Nation has the most sensible energy policies. To his mind, they are “the only party that isn’t completely barking mad” on these matters. This kind of home-state feeling speaks to the increasing rift on old partisan lines as people like Joyce look for new paths outside their established party.
The Fallout from Recent Events
Joyce’s recent public appearances have caught the eye for their creative and unusual flair. Here’s another of Tazzy’s equally amusing moments caught on camera flat out on a Canberra footpath late at night which provoked some huge media attention. After the event, Pauline Hanson called Joyce. Meanwhile, she has said she would love to have him join One Nation and has extended an open invitation for him to join her party.
Indeed, it seems this unfortunate episode was the catalyst for Joyce’s change of heart on his party loyalty. His willingness to consider defecting to One Nation highlights both personal and political motivations as he navigates the fallout from recent events.
Joyce was being actively courted by members of the old guard within the Nationals, most notably David Littleproud to return to a leadership role. He turned down these offers. Once you understand that particular issue, his refusal spotlights his deep passion for freedom. It should signal an underlying discontent with where the party he previously helmed is headed.
The Road Ahead
Barnaby Joyce may be preparing for life beyond Deputy PM. The plan to form a confected alliance with One Nation has murky consequences. His blistering critiques of the Nationals hide a personal, and possibly political, divide that may be impossible to mend. At the same time, his willingness to consider other alternatives represents a significant turning point in his political journey.
It remains to be seen how Joyce’s future decisions will not only shape his own professional trajectory, but Australia’s wider political landscape. The increasing influence of third parties such as One Nation will continue to unsettle established party loyalties and aligned major parties.
