Nationals MP Colin Boyce has indicated he is considering a move to One Nation after the Farrer byelection delivered a devastating result for the Coalition, with its primary vote plummeting to approximately 20%. Speaking to the Guardian in Albury following One Nation's historic victory in the House of Representatives, Boyce described the outcome as a "wake-up call" for conservative politics.
One Nation's Strong Performance in Farrer
Boyce, who represents the central Queensland seat of Flynn, highlighted One Nation's 40% primary vote in the Farrer byelection, questioning what such a result could mean for his own electorate. "I would argue if you’re Pauline Hanson, it’s a lot easier to campaign in Rockhampton than it is in Albury," he said, drawing attention to the potential for One Nation to gain traction in Queensland.
Boyce's Political Future Under Scrutiny
When asked directly if he was considering joining One Nation, Boyce replied, "I consider a lot of things." He acknowledged that the byelection result had prompted him to reassess his position within the Nationals. "Absolutely. And I think everybody should be thinking about their political future, particularly the people who are the organisers in the hierarchy. If this isn’t a wake-up call for conservative politics, what is?" he stated.
Boyce pointed to historical precedents, such as the 2017 state election in Callide where One Nation secured 25.6% of the vote against his 33.4%. In 2020, after being endorsed by Pauline Hanson, his primary vote surged above 57%. "The point is, Central Queensland is quite happy to vote One Nation," he emphasised.
Background on Boyce's Political Stance
Boyce, a cattle farmer first elected to the federal seat of Flynn in 2022, has a history of rightwing advocacy. He was a founding member of a club promoting climate science denial and previously described blackouts as a "big political opportunity." In January, he announced a tilt at the Nationals leadership.
Despite his current considerations, Boyce had previously ruled out leaving the Nationals, telling Sky News in February that he would not join One Nation despite acknowledging surging support for the party. "That’s not happening for me, I am a member of the LNP," he said at the time.
Reactions from Former Nationals Leader
Former Nationals leader and now One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce, who was with Boyce in Albury on Sunday morning, said he would never encourage Boyce to leave the party. "It’s like being divorced – it’s completely and utterly your choice," Joyce remarked. He noted that many One Nation members came from other political backgrounds, urging broader thinking.
The Farrer byelection saw the Liberal Party's primary vote drop by over 30% after the resignation of long-term incumbent Sussan Ley, who was rolled as leader. The Nationals recorded a primary vote just shy of 10%, while the seat had been held by the Coalition for 76 years.
