Barnaby Joyce trades Nationals for One Nation, sparking fresh political tension

After being deposed as Nationals leader and demoted to the backbench, Barnaby Joyce defected to Pauline Hanson’s One Nation in late 2022, positioning himself as a key ally rather than a successor. He argues the shift was driven by a refusal to be pushed around, not by personal vendetta, and points to a rise in One one outlet’s polling as evidence of his impact. Critics, including David Littleproud and former senator John Williams, label the move a betrayal and suggest Joyce’s ego fuels his actions.

The partnership of two outspoken figures has analysts warning of an inevitable fallout, with the Victorian election seen as a litmus test. Joyce continues to promote hard-line stances on immigration, climate policy, and cultural issues, while Hanson’s leadership remains under scrutiny.