After days of speculation about former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce joining One Nation, party chief Pauline Hanson has confirmed that talks are underway but dismissed any suggestion that he would take over as leader.
“It’s not going to happen, Chris, he’s not going to be leader of the party. That’s totally out of the question,” Hanson told Sky News.
When asked about succession plans, Hanson said she had no immediate plans to step aside.
Pressed on whether Joyce could eventually take the reins, she said: “Whoever proves themselves can make a good leader for the party, and make sure that we’re getting what we want for the Australian people, and represent them and make the other two political parties accountable there.”
She also rejected reports that Joyce was considering running for the Senate in New South Wales.
Hanson Admits Making Joyce an Offer
Hanson said she had spoken with Joyce before the last parliamentary sitting and had extended an offer for him to join One Nation.“I know he’s disgruntled with the National Party. I know he’s passionate about getting rid of net zero,” she said, adding that Nationals colleagues had failed to back him on the issue.
Hanson said the Nationals were “being dragged along” by the Coalition’s climate policies despite growing dissent within their ranks.
She suggested several members were frustrated with the party’s stance on net zero emissions and could follow Joyce’s lead if the divide widened.
Joyce Confirms Exit from Nationals
The speculation follows Joyce’s announcement that he will not recontest his seat of New England at the next federal election.The former deputy prime minister said his decision stemmed from years of tension with National leadership over policy direction and restrictions on his ability to campaign.
“My relationship with the leadership of the Nationals in Canberra has, unfortunately, like a sadness in some marriages, irreparably broken down,” Joyce said in a statement.
“I am free to now consider all options as to what I do next.”
Nationals leader David Littleproud responded that Joyce remained welcome in the party.
Littleproud, who demoted Joyce to the backbench, described their relationship as “professional,” rejecting suggestions of personal animosity.
“I’m an open book, and I try to create an environment in the party room where everyone gets a say,” he said.
“We don’t go around to everyone’s house every night as if we’re best mates. It’s effectively a very professional relationship, and that’s what it should be. That’s where we get the best out of everybody.”
On the issue of demoting him, Littleproud said that leadership sometimes required difficult decisions.
Hanson Criticises Ley
Hanson also aimed at Opposition Leader Sussan Ley, criticising her handling of internal divisions over climate and energy policy.“I’m really not impressed with Sussan Ley, who says, ‘Look, I’m not going to turn up to the meeting (on net zero),’” Hanson said.
“She’s there on a real issue now with possibly members of the Coalition walking away, and she can’t even go there to listen to their concerns.”
Hanson claimed that the Coalition’s moderate and progressive factions were alienating conservatives, saying MPs like James Paterson, Michaelia Cash, and Jacinta Nampijinpa Price were “fighting a losing battle.”
Price and Shadow Home Affairs spokesperson Andrew Hastie recently resigned from the frontbench amid policy disagreements with Ley.
