In a dramatic political development that has captivated Australian politics, Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce is widely anticipated to announce his defection to One Nation on Thursday afternoon. The move would represent one of the most significant party switches in recent Australian political history.
Last-Ditch Appeals from Nationals Colleagues
Former Nationals leader Michael McCormack revealed he spent an hour with Joyce on Wednesday in a final attempt to persuade him to remain within the party fold. McCormack expressed his disappointment at the potential defection and urged Joyce to reflect on what the National party gave him, including the rare honour of serving as deputy prime minister.
Speaking to media on Thursday, McCormack stated: "I spent an hour with him yesterday. I've given him my pitch. He knows my feelings. We get on well, and I just hope that he really reflects on what the National party gave him."
Growing Speculation and Political Fallout
Multiple sources within both the Nationals and One Nation expect an official announcement from Joyce, who represents the New England electorate, following weeks of intensifying speculation about his political future. The timing suggests Joyce could make his statement before question time in parliament, potentially during the section reserved for short constituency statements.
The public courting between Joyce and One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has been increasingly visible, culminating in their much-publicised steak dinner on Monday, which many observers interpreted as a clear signal of the impending defection.
Mixed Reactions Within Nationals Ranks
Reactions among Nationals colleagues appear divided, with some expressing resignation about Joyce's departure while others view it as a substantial blow to the party's electoral prospects. Several Nationals sources indicated they would be relieved to draw a line under what has become a prolonged political saga.
Nationals senator Matt Canavan, who previously served as Joyce's chief of staff, voiced frustration about the protracted speculation, commenting that the situation had dragged on "longer than Days of Our Lives" and that people were "sick and tired of it."
Canavan directly questioned the wisdom of defecting, asking: "Do you really want to go and join the circus? Or do you want to stay in a real team that's really focused on delivering change?"
When pressed on whether Joyce's potential move would constitute a betrayal of the Nationals, McCormack remained diplomatic, noting: "It's nothing at the moment, because he's still with the National party, and until he's not with the National party, then he remains such."
The defection could significantly impact the Nationals' ability to retain regional seats against One Nation's growing voter base, marking a substantial shift in Australia's political landscape.
