Joyce Keeps Future Plans Vague Despite Nationals’ Shift Away From Net-Zero

Barnaby Joyce praises Matt Canavan as the spark behind the Nationals’ push to scrap net zero, saying he just ’threw a bit of petrol on the fire.’

Nationals member for New England Barnaby Joyce before a press conference outside Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on July 28, 2025. AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

Former Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce says he is “keeping his cards close to [his] chest” on whether he will return to the National Party after it dumped its net-zero target.

Joyce announced his intention to part ways with the Nationals last month, citing “irreparable differences” with net zero shaping as a key dispute.