Colin Boyce's Political Journey and Leadership Ambition
Colin Boyce, the federal MP for Flynn, has launched a surprising bid for the leadership of the National Party following the dramatic implosion of the Coalition. The Queensland politician, who entered state parliament in 2017, has positioned himself as a vocal critic of the party's current direction, declaring the Nationals have been reduced to what he terms "the nothing party" after recent political upheavals.
From Taroom Cattle Farmer to Federal Parliament
Boyce's political career began in Queensland state politics, where his plain-speaking approach and willingness to cross the floor on key issues quickly distinguished him. His first term as a Liberal National Party backbencher included notable rebellions against mining rehabilitation legislation and controversial climate statements that argued people should "celebrate" global heating. This unconventional stance unexpectedly won support from One Nation leader Pauline Hanson, whose party declined to stand against Boyce in his Callide seat during the 2020 state election.
The MP famously quoted Chinese military strategist Sun Tzu during this period, declaring: "The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without going to battle. That is exactly what I have done in Callide." His vote increased by twenty-four percent following One Nation's endorsement, demonstrating his ability to build support across traditional political divides.
Leadership Challenge Amid Coalition Crisis
Boyce announced his leadership challenge this week, expressing fury at the Coalition's collapse and what he perceives as poor management of the political partnership. Speaking to 4CC radio in Gladstone, he stated: "I am not happy about it one little bit. It could have been avoided but it wasn't, but egos and personalities reign supreme unfortunately. A complete debacle."
Despite his criticism, Boyce maintains his leadership bid aims to preserve Coalition unity, though he has also suggested the Liberal Party should review its own leadership under Sussan Ley. The MP was among seven Nationals who crossed the floor on hate speech legislation, a move that triggered cabinet resignations and ultimately contributed to the Coalition's fracture.
Controversial Climate Stance and Political Philosophy
Throughout his parliamentary career, Boyce has maintained consistently sceptical positions on climate policy and renewable energy. After transitioning to federal politics in 2022, winning the seat of Flynn, he has continued opposing net zero targets and what he describes as "eco-Marxist" environmental policies.
His political approach was summarised during debate about mining rehabilitation legislation, where he declared: "For me it was the Alamo – make a stand, fix bayonets and over the top." This combative style has extended to energy policy discussions, particularly following the 2021 Callide power station explosion, when he criticised arguments against new coal plants as driven by "mind-numbing, eco-Marxist millennials and upper middle-class 'wokes'.
Climate Science Denial and Political Strategy
Boyce co-founded the Saltbush Club, an organisation promoting climate science scepticism and disputing the existence of a climate emergency. Before the 2024 election, he reportedly told climate sceptic groups that power blackouts represented "a big political opportunity" and advocated for a "do nothing strategy" regarding energy policy to build opposition to net zero targets.
This positioning has drawn criticism from across the political spectrum. Former Queensland deputy premier Cameron Dick commented in state parliament: "Colin Boyce was a crank, but at least he never pretended to be anything else. Colin Boyce was a member of the LNP who gave comfort to those who deny science and spout conspiracy theories, but he did so from the backbench."
Leadership Prospects and Party Dynamics
Despite his long parliamentary service, Boyce has never been considered a frontbench contender by colleagues in either Queensland or federal politics. Many within his own party question the logic of his leadership challenge, suggesting he lacks sufficient support in the party room for a successful bid.
The MP remains a steadfast supporter of former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce, who recently defected to One Nation. While Boyce insists he won't leave the party he joined as a twenty-year-old in the 1980s, he acknowledges that further defections remain "a distinct possibility" given current political tensions.
As the National Party navigates its most significant crisis in recent memory, Boyce's leadership challenge represents both a critique of current leadership and a defence of traditional conservative values that have increasingly become minority positions within Australian politics.
