BREAKING: Former Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce has announced he will not recontest his seat in New England for the 2028 election, citing irreparable breakdowns in relationships within the Nationals. Joyce’s departure comes amid speculation of a potential shift to One Nation, a conservative minor party led by Pauline Hanson.
In a candid letter to branch members, Joyce expressed deep frustration, stating, “My relationship with the leadership of the Nationals in Canberra has unfortunately, like a sadness in some marriages, irreparably broken down.” This decision follows his demotion from the party’s frontbench by current leader David Littleproud earlier this year, a move that has intensified tensions within the party.
Joyce confirmed he will fulfill his current parliamentary term but emphasized, “I am free to now consider all options as to what I do next,” signaling his openness to new political directions. His departure underscores the growing discontent within the federal coalition, which has faced its worst electoral result in 81 years.
The fallout continues, with conservative figures like Jacinta Nampijinpa Price being sacked from the frontbench and Andrew Hastie resigning from the shadow ministry due to policy disagreements, particularly on climate change. Joyce has been a vocal critic of the net-zero emissions targets, labeling the party’s stance as detrimental to his constituents, stating it creates “hurt to my electorate, to small businesses, to the environment, to the poor.”
The coalition’s internal strife has prompted both the Liberals and Nationals to review their net-zero policies. The implications of Joyce’s exit may resonate beyond immediate party lines, as Treasurer Jim Chalmers remarked, “You know the coalition is bad if not even Barnaby Joyce wants to be part of it.”
As the political landscape shifts, all eyes are on how Joyce’s next move will unfold and what it means for the future of the Nationals and the broader conservative movement in Australia. This developing story is poised to impact the dynamics leading into the next election cycle, making it crucial for observers to stay informed on these significant changes.
