David Littleproud claims there is ‘no animosity’ but Barnaby Joyce hasn’t ruled out move to One Nation Caitlyn RintoulThe NightlyMon, 20 October 2025 7:34AMCommentsCommentsEmail Caitlyn Rintoul
Barnaby Joyce hasn’t ruled out a move to One Nation amid frenzied speculation he’s eyeing a Senate gig with Pauline Hanson’s minor party.
Despite multiple chances to clear up his position in a media blitz on Monday, Mr Joyce was coy about his political future.
The rumours come after the maverick MP announced on Saturday he wouldn’t contest his seat of New England and sparked Coalition pleas for the veteran MP to stay in the Nationals.
In a letter to branch members on Saturday Mr Joyce claimed his departure was spurred by a rift with Nationals leader David Littleproud.
“My relationship with the leadership of the Nationals in Canberra has unfortunately, like a sadness in some marriages, irreparably broken down,” he wrote.
Mr Joyce didn’t take several opportunities provided to him during a media blitz on Monday to clear up his position with the Nationals.
The backbencher instead revealed he’d called Senator Hanson on Sunday night, adding they’d shared a laugh over the One Nation leadership suggestions.
“I did ring her last night because . . . we may as well speak to each other rather than through the media,” the political veteran told Sunrise.
“There was nothing locked-in. I have not joined One Nation.”
He also admitted that Senator Hanson’s party has some appeal, telling an ABC radio interview on Monday he thought One Nation “do a good job”.
“On (net zero), I suppose One Nation is not barking mad like others are.
“I’m not saying yes (to One Nation), I’m not saying no. I’m saying I’m not going to entertain this discussion.”
Mr Joyce has claimed his “less than spectacular” relationship with Mr Littleproud contributed to his decision, including the leader’s order for him to only campaign within his own electorate at the May 3 poll.
“Without being too flippant . . . during the campaign I was asked basically not to campaign for the Nationals,” he told Seven’s Sunrise program.
“I do believe there has been a breakdown in the relationship between myself and David and others.
“I don’t think it’s conducive to a harmonious party room for them or, to be honest, for me.”
Mr Littleproud told Sky on Monday he had spoken with Mr Joyce at the weekend, and rejected claims of personal animosity.
“I have no animosity to anybody. He’s still a member, he’s still welcome,” Mr Littleproud said.
“We’re going to continue to get on with the job of holding the government to account, and he’s welcome to be part of that.”
Mr Joyce claimed he’s been told he won’t sit in the Nationals party room when Parliament returns in Canberra next week.
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley confirmed on Monday she too had contacted Mr Joyce for a personal “check-in” after the headlines but insisted she wouldn’t interfere in the junior Coalition party’s internal matters.
“I did give Barnaby a call because, you know, we’ve been colleagues in parliament for a long time, and I just wanted to check in,” Ms Ley said.
“I’m obviously not going to give you any further details of the discussion.
“The issues that you have described are matters of the National Party, not the Liberal Party.
“I’m always very careful when it’s a matter between the Nationals and the Liberals, to stay carefully in my lane and not give gratuitous advice across the Coalition divide.”
Talk of the move to the minor party prompted his Nationals’ colleagues to try to convince Mr Joyce to stay within the Coalition.
Fellow backbencher Michael McCormack said he had also been in contact with Mr Joyce and said he wanted him to stick with the party.
“Barnaby’s been a force of nature for regional Australia and he’s done a lot of good things,” he told ABC Radio.
“Whilst I appreciate Pauline Hanson has been there for a long time . . . the Nationals have been there for more than 100 years, we’ve turned up.”
Mr Joyce has also expressed his distaste over the Nationals’ net-zero commitment and called for the party to dump it, despite his role in signing on to it as then-leader of the Nationals.
The policy, like all the others the Coalition took to the election, is under review.
Mr McCormack said it was not likely the Nationals would stick with a policy of net-zero emissions but insisted the review process needed to play out.
“It does take a process. It’s not a McDonald’s drive-thru — you can’t just turn up, ask for the report, and get it within five seconds of ordering. So that will take its time,” he said.
“But I don’t believe the National Party will continue with net-zero.”
Nationals deputy leader Kevin Hogan said he’s “disappointed” Mr Joyce won’t contest the next election labelling him an “important figure” in the Nationals.
Mr Hogan told Sky News on Monday afternoon he would be “surprised” if Mr Joyce went to One Nations and admitted the party needed to get on with policy formation.
“I’m certainly disappointed that Barnaby has said that he’s not going to stand for re-election,” he said.
“He has been a very important figure for us now for two decades, and has made great contributions.
“I certainly hope he doesn’t go to One Nation. I’d be surprised if he did.”
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