In the latest twist in a political saga that now bores much of the New England, Barnaby Joyce has confirmed he will join One Nation, triggering further staff departures and deepening disquiet among voters.
Joyce’s senior staffers Heidi Hallam and Phil Corbett are both confirmed to no longer be working for the New England MP, with more resignations expected as the loyal National Party members refuse to work for One Nation. His office was unable to advise who would replace them or who is currently managing media for the MP, adding to speculation about the stability of his office.
Community sentiment has continued to harden towards Joyce, with many locals believing his political manoeuvring has consigned both himself — and the electorate — to irrelevance. A recent New England Times poll found four out of five New England voters did not support a move to One Nation.
The move to defect from the National Party so soon after the election is being seen as the second betrayal of trust by those close to him in a short period, adding on to the shock of learning Joyce had concealed his health issues during the last election and was getting treatment for prostate cancer. While the community has forgiven multiple personal transgressions as not being their business, this betrayal is not being forgiven and even people who regarded him as a friend say they are done.
It is Mr Joyce’s plan to continue to represent New England as a One Nation MP in Parliament until the next Federal election, at which he would lead the party’s New South Wales Senate ticket.
After speaking in Tamworth this morning, Joyce issued a lengthy public statement announcing and defending his decision to defect, saying it was the product of careful deliberation.
“There has been no more considered and serious decision than the one I make today to join One Nation. It is premised on two main points,” he wrote.
Joyce set out a broad critique of current national policy settings, arguing that Australia must be “properly prepared for the formidable challenges that are before it” and that governments must focus on putting “Australia first and centre.”
“Policy should not be implemented by an attempt to please those whose foremost concern is not the regular Australian family paying the bills.”
He criticised energy policy, regulation, government debt, and immigration, while asserting the need for a unified national culture.
“A nation can have multiple faiths, race and colour but not multiple cultures. Australia must bind together under an Australian culture with a common goal to prevail in an increasingly uncertain world.”
Joyce also said his relationship with The Nationals leadership had become untenable.
“It is unfortunate, but my professional relationship within The Nationals between myself and the Leadership had become incongruous with me giving my best.”
He said he had considered resigning from Parliament altogether before choosing to pursue a Senate run under One Nation.
“I am firmly of the view which I have considered over a long period of time that the best choice before me is to stand for One Nation as a Senator for NSW. I will let the voters be the ultimate arbiter of that decision.”
While dangling a Senate seat as a proverbial carrot, the party clearly has designs on New England and plan to be directing resources here.
Senator Pauline Hanson has today travelled to Tamworth today to join Joyce and announce he has joined One Nation.
“I have always been very straightforward about asking Mr Joyce to join our team, and on making it clear this was always his decision. I am pleased he’s chosen One Nation, and I welcome his experience, his advice and his determination to get a fair go for farmers and regional Australia.”
“One Nation’s support is growing across the country. Voters are looking for leadership on the issues which matter to them, like getting rid of net zero and Labor’s record immigration. Voters know exactly where I stand on these issues, and in recent weeks I think Mr Joyce has been very clear where he stands too.
NSW One Nation Senator Sean Bell, who is understood to be under pressure to resign so Joyce can take his seat in the Senate, will also soon be seen in the New England, visiting Armidale on 14 December. Bell is expected to meet with the party’s 2025 New England candidate Brent Larkham and train advocates campaigning for the return of the railway north of Armidale.
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