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Veteran Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce announced Tuesday he will not seek reelection for his New England seat after 15 years, citing a breakdown in his relationship with party leadership and frustration over the coalition’s approach to net zero climate policies.
The former deputy prime minister and Nationals leader told reporters in Tamworth that his relationship with the parliamentary party had deteriorated to the point where continuing was untenable, though he stopped short of confirming rumors he would defect to Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party.
“I think 15 years is a pretty good term, a pretty good run,” Joyce said during a doorstop interview in his electorate. “What an incredible honour it is when that time comes to be able to conclude on my terms and in a dignified way to basically make sure that we hand this on in a way that allows other people, whoever they are, to take up the cause.”
Joyce remains a member of the National Party and has not joined another party, though he acknowledged “philosophical similarities” with One Nation on issues including opposition to net zero emissions targets, property rights for farmers and what he described as excessive government power over individual freedoms.
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Relationship Breakdown
The MP described his relationship with party leadership using marriage metaphors, saying the final straw came during a recent trip to central Queensland when someone close to leadership leaked a story about him potentially joining One Nation.
“The straw that broke the camel’s back was to be actually in central Queensland, working for the National Party, helping them with fundraising through the LNP, about to speak at their federal divisional council meeting, like speak for party members, and someone who I think, when they say, like, all I could get from the border close to me, that’s always a very bad sign, leaked the story about me going to One Nation,” Joyce said.
He characterized the situation as similar to a failing relationship where a partner seeks “generational change,” refuses to be seen in public together and stops communicating with friends and family.
“The relationship in Canberra, I don’t want to throw the place around, but it had broken down,” Joyce said. “I think it’s important to say that, because otherwise people go, oh, why? It just happens in human relationships, they break down.”
Joyce praised Nationals leader Sussan Ley during his remarks, saying she had been “really good” throughout the process despite their philosophical differences on issues like net zero.
“I actually respect Susan,” Joyce said. “All the way through there, Susan has been really good. I have different philosophical views than her, and one is net zero, I suppose, and that’s her right. But I’d hate for this to be seen as some attack on Susan. It is not.”
Net Zero Policy Frustrations
Joyce directed sharp criticism at the coalition’s handling of net zero climate policy, saying the push to accommodate so-called teal seats in wealthy urban areas had abandoned regional constituents struggling with power bills and transmission line installations on farmland.
“I’m happy for the first time, maybe part of this sort of issue, you know, around my saying, you know, stepping back, that we actually, I read in the paper real statements that they’re going to get out, the coalition is going to get out of net zero,” Joyce said. “And that’s good. Why is it good? Because I go past pie shops or coffee shops and they talk to me about a power bill they can’t afford.”
He described encountering residents forced from their homes due to electricity costs and farmers whose properties face coverage by transmission lines and renewable energy installations.
“I see farmers who say, well, my property is going to be covered in transmission lines. And I have to deal with swindle factories, industrial precincts of wind towers and solar panels all around me. And it’s diminished the value of my land and destroyed the quality of my life,” Joyce said.
The MP emphasized he wants “an authentic removal from net zero” rather than political maneuvering that leaves the policy partially intact.
Opposition Leader Responds
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley addressed Joyce’s departure during an ABC News interview Tuesday morning, saying the decision remained his personal choice and noting that coalition energy policy development continues with input from all party room members.
“Barnaby Joyce is making his own decisions, as any individual in the National Party is entitled to, and I leave that as a matter for the National Party,” Ley said.
Ley defended the coalition’s ongoing energy policy development, which remains incomplete five months after the May election, saying the process includes every member of both Liberal and National party rooms.
“People can suggest policies, and indeed I see that conjecture from time to time in the media, but our policy is under development, as I said, and we’re including everyone and every view,” Ley said when asked whether the coalition would repeal Australia’s net zero by 2050 laws while retaining Paris Agreement commitments.
She emphasized the coalition would develop an energy policy focused on stable, reliable grid infrastructure and affordable power for households and businesses while playing Australia’s role in reducing emissions internationally.
“We will have a very strong alternative that demonstrates, as I said, the importance of a stable, reliable grid and affordable energy for businesses,” Ley said.
Regional Advocacy Record
Joyce outlined his 15-year record advocating for New England constituents, citing efforts to secure medical services for regional areas, infrastructure investments including dam construction for Tamworth’s water security, support for the University of New England and defense of mining jobs in the Hunter Valley.
“First and foremost, my love, my affection and my service for the people of New England continues on and my gratitude at the incredible honour they have given me to represent this area for what will be at the end of this term 15 years,” Joyce said.
He lobbied for a nuclear power plant in the Hunter Valley mining region, claiming the proposal generated significant electoral support.
“I actually lobbied for a nuclear power plant down there. And we actually got a swing to us. Big one. Big swing to us. Because they know how to make power,” Joyce said.
Joyce also criticized government environmental policies that he said restricted farming operations, claiming farmers bear the burden of meeting net zero targets through land use restrictions that reduce food supply and drive inflation.
Political Philosophy
The MP articulated broader political views during his remarks, describing himself as patriotic with strong beliefs in individual rights over state power, property rights and Australia’s Judeo-Christian cultural identity.
“I believe the individual is primary and the state is your servant. And that’s a similarity I have. Not that you’re a servant of the state and an article of the state,” Joyce said.
He criticized what he characterized as excessive government power during COVID-19 restrictions and a progressive “ratchet” on property and individual rights that conservative governments fail to reverse.
“The social ratchet on property rights, on individual rights, has always been moving, I would say, to the left. And then when we come to government, we don’t move it back to the right where people actually vote,” Joyce said.
Joyce acknowledged past conflicts with Hanson but noted alignment on numerous policy positions, though he declined to confirm immediate plans to join One Nation.
“I respect, I think, that in the Greens, Peter Wish Wilson is a good guy and he strongly believes in his cause. I believe that, you know, good mates with Bill Shorten, I think that Bill, and I get on all right with Albo. You know, they believe in their cause, and I believe that Pauline believes in her cause,” Joyce said.
The announcement creates uncertainty for the National Party in the New England electorate ahead of the next federal election, with Joyce emphasizing his departure aims to avoid damaging party members who supported his campaigns over 15 years.
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