Barnaby Joyce Confirms Move to Join One Nation

Former Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce has officially announced his move to One Nation, putting weeks of speculation to rest.

Joyce dedicated more than 30 years to Australia’s National Party, but says his dedication came to an end because he could no longer reach his full potential under the party he’d spent so long supporting.

He now plans to take on a role as a One Nation senator, leading the party’s New South Wales ticket.

“There has been no more considered and serious decision than the one I make today to join One Nation,” he said in a lengthy statement.

“Firstly, I believe that for Australia to be properly prepared for the formidable challenges that are before it, both domestically and in our region, we need to go forward with a suite of policies that are not driven by trying to placate sectional interests, but rather put Australia first and centre.”

Joyce described his relationship with the Nationals was “incongruous.”

“In the last two months, no one has said to me that this breakdown in the relationship was not the case. I had therefore decided to either resign from Parliament or, if choosing to continue, find a more conducive way to achieve the best outcome in pursuing the task that is required to be done.”

Concerned With the Interests of Australians

Joyce said policy should be implemented by those with the interests of Australian families.

“Australia has handed away rights we should have kept and taken up obligations we should have left, at a price we cannot pay,” he said.

“Our strength comes from our social cohesion, the opportunity for the individual, the breadth and strength of the economy, the efficiency of government, the love of our nation, the centrality of the family and a formidable defence force matching the threats.”

Joyce expressed concern around the green agenda which he said had “eviscerated our energy platform on a ludicrous quest to change the weather.”

Other concerns Joyce raised about government were overregulation, excessive borrowing, prioriting state rights above families, and the impact of mass migration.

Joyce says a nation can have multiple faiths, races and colours but not multiple cultures.

“If we are weak, there is today the genuine threat that we will lose this incredible blessing which Australia is,” he said.

Joyce Likely to Boost One Nation’s Popularity: Poll

In a statement, One Nation Leader Pauline Hanson welcomed Joyce to her party.

“I welcome Barnaby Joyce to One Nation,” she said.

“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.”

Hanson said the addition of Joyce would strengthen the party’s position in the parliament.

“One Nation’s support is growing across the country,” she said.

According to AAP, recent polling shows the number of people planning to put One Nation first on their ballot paper is at an all-time high, with multiple surveys predicting support levels hovering between 14 and 18 per cent.

A recent Resolve poll said 29 percent of voters would be more likely to support the party if it were led by Joyce.

Nationals Leader Condemns Joyce’s Move

The National Party has issued an icy response to the news of Joyce jumping ship, accusing him of having leadership aspirations.

“The Nationals supported Barnaby through many difficult times, including during his darkest moments,” said leader David Littleproud, in reference to Joyce’s controversial affair with staffer Vikki Campion in 2018.

“Barnaby has chosen to turn his back on the Nationals and on his electorate and instead join a party of protest, which is never able to achieve anything other than headlines.

“I have never had a personal issue or problem with Barnaby Joyce. This issue is about Barnaby wanting to be the leader of a party.”