Canavan Staying Put In National Party as Divide Grows Over Net Zero

Nationals MP Matt Canavan says he is flattered over talk he might jump ship to One Nation, but it’s simply not on his to-do list.

Speculation has mounted in recent weeks following an announcement from Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce that he will leave the party, fuelling talks of a potential move to One Nation.

Joyce will not contest his seat of New England at the next federal election and has confirmed talks with One Nation Leader Pauline Hanson, though no official announcements have been made.

But Canavan said he was firm on remaining a part of the Liberal National Party (LNP).

“I am flattered that others want me to join their party,” he said on X.

“I wish them well. But I will always be loyal to the hard-working members of the LNP and the Nationals. They have given me the incredible honour of representing my state and my country in our nation’s parliament.

“It is Nats or bust for me. I will continue to fight hard against the scam that is net zero but I will not join any other party.”

The issue of net zero has proved contentious in recent months, with former frontbencher Andrew Hastie threatening to step away if the party did not back down on a 2050 net zero target.

Hastie, who eventually stepped down from the front bench over concerns around mass migration, described net zero as a “straitjacket” around Australia’s economy.

Canavan, also a staunch opponent of net zero policies, said he would remain and hoped Joyce—also opposed to net zero targets—would do the same.

“As for Barnaby, we have fought in so many trenches together. We have won more than we have lost doing so,” Canavan said.

“We have an incredibly tough battle ahead to save our country. We need Barnaby and his grit and courage fighting alongside us.

“I hope he decides to stay in the Nats and we should do all we can to keep him.”

The Coalition is expected to discuss its position on net zero in Canberra in the coming days.

Canavan remains convinced the targets are “devastating” to Australia.

“The people pushing net zero promised that we’d get lower energy prices. Electricity and gas prices are up 40 percent,” he said.

Fellow Nationals MP Llew O’Brien has also hinted at leaving the party if a satisfactory position on net zero isn’t reached.