Australian politics has been rocked by the dramatic resignation of Barnaby Joyce from the National Party, ending his three-decade alliance with the conservative force amid bitter internal divisions over climate policy and personal conflicts with party leadership.
A Political Marriage Ends
The veteran MP for New England formally severed ties with the Nationals on Thursday, pointing to fundamental disagreements over net zero emissions targets and what he described as an irreparably damaged relationship with party leader David Littleproud. Joyce confirmed he would remain in Parliament as an independent MP but will not contest his regional NSW seat at the next election.
The resignation has ignited speculation about Joyce's political future, particularly after photographs emerged showing him enjoying an intimate dinner with One Nation leader Pauline Hanson at her office last week. Insiders suggest this meeting could pave the way for Joyce to join Hanson's party, which has surged to 18% in recent national polling.
Leadership Silence and Internal Warfare
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has deliberately avoided weighing into the civil war tearing the Nationals apart, sidestepping direct questions about the bitter feud between Joyce and Littleproud during her appearance on Sky News Sunday Agenda.
'It's not something that I have any influence or commentary over,' Ms Ley stated when pressed about Joyce's decision to move to the crossbench. 'He makes his own decisions, as he should. I don't sit in the Nationals party room, I never have and I lead the Liberal Party.'
Ley confirmed she had spoken with Joyce since his resignation, describing him as a 'friend', but made no attempt to convince him to reverse his decision. Her hands-off approach highlights the sensitivity of the situation within the Coalition partnership.
Years of Tension Boil Over
According to sources familiar with the matter, Joyce has harboured deep resentment toward Littleproud for years, with the leadership style of the Nationals boss being a primary factor in the shock exit. The tension became publicly visible at last year's Nationals conference in Coffs Harbour, where Joyce reportedly stormed out before Littleproud's address in a blatant display of disrespect.
During his resignation speech on Thursday, Joyce unleashed his frustration, directly criticising Littleproud and deputy leader Kevin Hogan. 'I've had no communication with either leader of the National Party or the deputy leader of the National Party to try and resolve this, and that's disappointing,' he declared.
Littleproud responded forcefully, accusing Joyce of betraying his constituents. 'He's broken a contract with the people of New England,' the Nationals leader stated, highlighting the deep personal and political divisions within the party.
Mixed Reactions and Future Speculation
While Ley maintained her distance from the Nationals' internal conflict, Queensland Nationals senator Matt Canavan took the opposite approach, publicly appealing for Joyce to return to the party fold. Canavan posted a personal plea, arguing that Joyce's presence would strengthen their campaign against net zero emissions policies.
'We have more chance of killing net zero if Barnaby is a Nat,' Canavan asserted. 'He has not joined another party today, so I have not given up hope that we can convince him to return.'
Meanwhile, speculation continues to mount about Joyce potentially joining One Nation. Political insiders suggest he could run as the party's NSW Senate candidate at the 2028 federal election. Joyce himself has previously expressed admiration for Hanson's party, particularly their stance on net zero policies.
'I think they do a good job… On net zero, One Nation is not barking mad like others are. I'm not saying yes, I'm not saying no,' Joyce commented last month, leaving the door open for a potential political realignment that could significantly alter Australia's conservative landscape.
