In a seismic shift within Australian politics, former Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce has officially announced his resignation from the National Party. The confirmation came during a speech to Parliament on Thursday afternoon, just moments before Question Time commenced, marking a definitive end to his long tenure with the party.
A Dinner That Sparked a Political Earthquake
The political landscape had been rife with speculation since Monday night, when Mr Joyce was seen sharing a steak dinner with One Nation leader Pauline Hanson in her Canberra office. This highly publicised meeting fuelled intense rumours that the outspoken MP was being actively courted by the rival party. A source from the Daily Mail confirmed that Hanson had been working behind the scenes for months to woo Joyce, viewing him as a high-profile recruit who could significantly bolster One Nation's credibility and extend its appeal beyond its traditional voter base.
The anticipation of his move was palpable in the chamber. Before his speech, independent Teal MPs Sophie Scamps and Monique Ryan were seen cheekily tapping their cross bench chairs in his direction, a symbolic gesture indicating where they believed his political future now lay.
Strategic Move Amid Shifting Political Tides
Joyce's defection is a calculated move that aligns with a notable surge in support for One Nation. Recent polling indicates the party's vote is climbing steadily, particularly in regional areas where disillusionment with the major parties is deepening. This trend is concurrent with the Liberal Party's vote reportedly reaching an all-time low.
The timing positions One Nation as a potential kingmaker in the Senate and a disruptive force in the lower house. Some polls now show the party ahead of the Greens, making it the most popular non-major party in the country. Joyce had previously declared he would not stand as a Nationals candidate for his seat of New England, leaving the door open for a potential run for the Senate under the One Nation banner, a possibility that now seems increasingly likely.
Implications for the Future
This defection represents one of the most significant political realignments in recent Australian history. The recruitment of a former Deputy Prime Minister provides One Nation with an unprecedented level of political legitimacy and media attention. For the Nationals, the loss of such a prominent, albeit controversial, figure is a substantial blow. This move signals a further fragmentation of the political centre-right and underscores the growing influence of populist parties in national politics, a trend that will undoubtedly shape the strategies of all major parties in the lead-up to the next election.
The political fallout from this announcement is expected to develop rapidly as both the Nationals and One Nation recalibrate their strategies in response to this major development.
