From Roommates to Rivals: Matt Canavan's History with Barnaby Joyce Fuels Nationals Leadership Bid
During the 2010 federal election campaign, Matt Canavan and his then-boss Barnaby Joyce shared a cramped hotel room with single beds barely half a metre apart. In a humorous mishap, Canavan accidentally sent a loving text meant for his wife to Joyce instead, highlighting their close bond. This anecdote, recounted in Canavan's 2014 Senate maiden speech, underscores a relationship that spanned over 15 years until Joyce's defection to One Nation in December.
Canavan Installed as Nationals Leader Amid Party Shift to Populist Right
On Wednesday, Matt Canavan was elected as the 16th leader of the federal Nationals, defeating Kevin Hogan and Bridget McKenzie in a party room vote. At 45, he becomes the first federal minister born in the 1980s to hold this position. In his first press conference, a fervent Canavan declared, "We need to manifest a hyper-Australia", advocating for more Australian babies, humour, jokes, and barbecues, often powered by fossil fuels. This rhetoric signals the Nationals' lurch further to the populist right, aiming to counter One Nation's influence.
Unusual Path from Marxist to Influential Senator
Canavan's political journey is marked by transformation. Once a self-proclaimed Marxist at the University of Queensland, he worked at the Productivity Commission before cold-calling Tony Abbott's office. Though Abbott didn't need an economist, Joyce did, sparking a 15-year alliance that reshaped Australia's conservative politics. Elected to parliament in 2013, Canavan rose to cabinet as resources minister by 2016, challenging climate policies under Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.
Turnbull recalled how Canavan and Joyce lobbied for coal-fired power stations, with Nationals deputy Bridget McKenzie noting their stance was "religion, not economics". Canavan's influence grew despite resigning from cabinet in 2017 over dual citizenship issues and stepping down in 2020 to support Joyce's failed leadership bid. His right-wing agenda, often expressed provocatively online, includes climate denialism, as seen in a 2021 tweet mocking cold weather events.
Climate and Social Views Create Tensions Within Coalition
Canavan's positions have caused friction with Liberal colleagues. During the 2022 election, he declared net zero emissions targets "sort of dead" on ABC television, standing before a screen urging "Build coal power stations". Many Liberal MPs blame him and Joyce for election losses to teal independents. Canavan also opposed hate speech laws post-Bondi massacre and holds conservative social views, including opposition to same-sex marriage and abortion, aligning with far-right figures like Alex Antic and Ralph Babet.
His economic outlook, interventionist and hostile toward big business, clashes with Liberal leaders Angus Taylor and Tim Wilson. One Liberal MP warned, "His views might resonate in regional Queensland, but we have to be an option for all Australia". Another joked that Pauline Hanson is more moderate than Canavan, expressing concerns about suburban seat pressures.
Strategic Move to Combat One Nation and Internal Challenges
The Nationals' leadership change comes as the party battles One Nation, with Canavan seen as key to understanding the enemy. After an unsuccessful challenge to David Littleproud post-2025 election, Canavan's elevation aims to stem defections like Colin Boyce and Llew O'Brien. However, Liberals fear this move may hinder broader electoral prospects, despite potentially securing regional support.
Canavan's isolationist streak, echoing Donald Trump's MAGA movement, and criticism of U.S. foreign policy further complicate Coalition unity. As the Nationals pivot under his leadership, the political landscape braces for intensified rivalries and policy clashes.
