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Today's reading time is 7 minutes. - Miko Santos
Here’s what else you need to know to get going and get on with your day.
1️⃣ Political Defection Shakes Coalition
Former Nationals leader and Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce is in advanced discussions to defect to Pauline Hanson’s One Nation Party, marking a potentially seismic shift in Australian conservative politics. One Nation leader Hanson confirmed Friday she would welcome Joyce, stating “I’d be happy to have him” and suggesting other Coalition MPs could follow.
2️⃣ Rural Voter Discontent Drives Move
Joyce’s potential switch comes amid growing rural frustration with Coalition climate policy, following the May 2025 election defeat. Last week, senior NSW Nationals official Steve Coxhead resigned to join One Nation, citing abandonment of regional voters. Joyce publicly supported that decision, warning his “great fear is not people changing parties but rather the loss of the freedom to do so.”
3️⃣ Internal Coalition Tensions Escalate
The defection threat intensifies pressure on Nationals leader David Littleproud and Liberal deputy Sussan Ley, whose moderate positions have fueled conservative discontent. Joyce’s relationship with Littleproud has remained strained since 2022, when Littleproud replaced him as party leader. Recent backbench moves by Andrew Hastie and Jacinta Nampijinpa Price have already signaled internal instability.
4️⃣ One Nation’s Biggest Recruitment Win
A Joyce defection would deliver One Nation its most high-profile recruit in the party’s history, lending mainstream credibility to Hanson’s movement. Hanson first approached Joyce about joining in February, discussions that have since progressed significantly. Some Coalition MPs now compare the moment to Nigel Farage’s Reform Party surge in the United Kingdom.
5️⃣ Questions Remain on Timing
Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price urged caution, questioning the Sydney Morning Herald’s reporting and saying she wanted to see “what’s real and what’s not.” Joyce declined to comment when approached by media Friday. However, Hanson’s refusal to deny the talks and her public welcome suggest negotiations are substantive rather than speculative.
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