In a dramatic political realignment that has sent shockwaves through Australian politics, former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce has officially resigned from his party and is strongly considering joining Pauline Hanson's One Nation.
A Political Marriage Forged Over Steak
The extraordinary development follows a much-publicised dinner meeting between the two controversial figures in Senator Hanson's parliamentary office earlier this week. The meal, featuring steak seared on a sandwich press alongside pasta, salad and berry pie, appears to have laid the groundwork for one of the most unexpected political partnerships in recent memory.
Mr Joyce confirmed his resignation from the rural-focused Nationals party on Thursday, ending weeks of intense speculation about his future. The New England MP will initially sit as an independent, but openly admitted he is 'strongly considering' making a return to the Senate under the One Nation banner.
Doubts Over Alliance Longevity
The potential alliance has immediately raised questions about its sustainability, given both politicians' histories of conflict with colleagues. Former Nationals leader Michael McCormack, whom Joyce unsuccessfully challenged in 2020 before eventually overthrowing a year later, expressed significant reservations about the pairing.
'That'll be an interesting sort of clash of heads between two very much out there people in Pauline Hanson and Barnaby Joyce,' Mr McCormack told reporters. 'Is there enough room in One Nation for those two? That remains to be seen.'
These concerns are amplified by Senator Hanson's notoriously poor retention rate of elected representatives. In federal parliament, Malcolm Roberts stands as the only long-term One Nation senator who hasn't defected from the party that Senator Hanson founded and that until recently bore her name.
Timing and Implications
The political courtship between Joyce and Hanson occurred during a particularly turbulent period. Their dinner took place just hours after Senator Hanson was suspended from the Senate over her controversial burqa stunt, highlighting the provocative nature of both politicians.
The relationship breakdown between Joyce and current Nationals leader David Littleproud has been cited as a key factor driving this political shift. This move represents one of the most significant defections in recent Australian political history and could substantially alter the balance of power in parliament.
As Australian politics enters uncharted territory, all eyes will be on whether this unlikely partnership can survive the considerable personality clashes and political differences that have characterised both figures' careers.
