Barnaby Joyce has announced his resignation from the National Party, a move condemned by a former colleague as an “act of treason”. The backbencher told parliament he was seeking “a better position” than the Coalition backbenches, though he did not confirm whether he would join One Nation or remain an independent.
In a statement to the House of Representatives on Thursday, parliament’s last sitting day of the year, Joyce said he had been left on the Coalition’s “ejection seat”. He claimed he had received minimal communication from the party leadership after announcing his intentions five weeks ago, saying: “Apart from a 90-second conversation with the leader, I had no communication with the leader of the National party or the deputy leader.”
Joyce apologised for the hurt caused by his departure, but pledged to continue fighting for regional Australia from a better position. He left the chamber immediately after his speech and told reporters he was still considering his next steps, including a possible Senate run.
Nationals leader David Littleproud accused Joyce of breaking a contract with voters, while former colleague Michael McCormack urged him to reflect on what the party had given him. Former senator John “Wacka” Williams described the defection as an “act of treason”. However, Senator Matt Canavan expressed hope that Joyce could be convinced to return.
Joyce’s resignation ends weeks of speculation, including a public dinner with One Nation leader Pauline Hanson. Some Nationals sources expressed relief at drawing a line under the saga, but others warned it could hurt the party’s chances of retaining regional seats against a rising One Nation vote.
