Former Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce has made his shift away from the National Party official by joining One Nation. This courageous decision is already changing the political dynamic in his New England constituency. Joyce has been in his seat since 2013. He intends to sit as a member of One Nation in the next federal election but will sit as the local member until that time.
Joyce’s announcement that he will leave the National Party. He has previously mentioned a breakdown in his relationship with the party’s leadership as the reason for his exit. He acknowledged the hurt he has caused and stated, “I will apologize deeply to those who I have hurt.”…controversial past that includes an affair with a staffer. This scandal helped lead to the Coalition’s notorious “bonk ban” and even provoked a very public feud with Hollywood actor Johnny Depp.
Shift to One Nation
December 2025
By joining One Nation, Joyce made one of the boldest political calculations since 2019. He toured a cattle saleyard outside Tamworth with party leader, Pauline Hanson. This decision has been met with many positive and negative responses from constituents. Most of them have found ways to express their conflicting sentiments about his new loyalty. Though they had once been critical of Joyce, many voters now like his switch.
“I’ve never been a fan of Barnaby Joyce, but this decision to join One Nation will have me vote for Barnaby. So many voters are unhappy with the major parties. Go One Nation,” stated Joanne from Deepwater. Others adamantly oppose his turn. They say it erodes public trust that people have put in him as a member of the National Party.
Phil from Glen Innes remarked, “Barnaby was elected to the New England as a member of the National Party. He should resign from being the member for New England and let the voters have a byelection.”
Voter Reactions
The response from New England voters has been extremely split. Though many commend Joyce’s new direction, others argue he now needs to step down. Graham Parsons expressed that if Joyce is no longer committed to representing his constituents accurately, he should “move on and let someone else take up the mantle for our community.”
Tracy from Armidale expressed her disapproval, saying, “I have never been a supporter of Barnaby and believe that he should resign… He is there for himself and not for the betterment of the communities he supports.”
In spite of all those criticisms, proJoyce voices can be heard speaking up for her decision. An unnamed voter expressed support for Joyce’s new affiliation with One Nation, stating, “I like Pauline [Hanson], so if he helps Pauline then he’s helping us.”
Political Implications
The political ramifications of the move leave a lot in question, including Joyce’s own political trajectory and his relationship with the wider world. Former deputy prime minister and leader of the National Party, Michael McCormack, expects fireworks between Joyce and Hanson. “History shows that it doesn’t end well for strong-minded men who end up in Pauline’s party,” warned Bill from Retreat.
Joyce is currently sitting pretty in the deep-red seat with a 17 percent margin. His defection has the potential to change voter mood. Many of his constituents will likely view his conversion as an opportunity for long overdue beneficial change. To them, it could be seen as a reversal of faith.
Joyce is getting ready to fight his first federal election for One Nation. Even more ominously for him is the challenging political terrain that reflects deepening alienation with mainstream political parties.
