In a stunning move that has sent shockwaves through Australian federal politics, former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce has officially joined the One Nation party. The announcement comes just over a week after his dramatic resignation from the National Party, the party he once led.
A 'Considered' Defection to the Crossbench
Mr Joyce, the long-serving MP for New England, revealed his decision in a social media post on Monday, December 8, 2025. He described it as the most serious and deliberate choice of his political career. "There has been no more considered and serious decision than the one I make today to join One Nation," he stated.
The veteran politician elaborated that after lengthy reflection, he concluded his best path forward was to stand for One Nation as a senator for New South Wales at the next opportunity. He declared he would leave the final judgment of that choice to the electorate, saying, "I will let the voters be the ultimate arbiter of that decision."
From Coalition Frontbench to One Nation's Lone Voice
This seismic shift immediately alters the parliamentary landscape. For the remainder of the current term, Barnaby Joyce will sit on the crossbench as One Nation's only representative in the House of Representatives. This gives Pauline Hanson's party an unexpected and influential voice in the lower house.
The defection follows a period of growing discontent between Joyce and the Coalition leadership. Sources indicate his frustration stemmed from being confined to his electorate during the hard-fought 2025 election campaign, a move seen as limiting his national profile. This was compounded by his subsequent removal from the opposition shadow cabinet after the election.
Resignation Sets the Stage for a New Chapter
The final break with the Nationals was formalised in a poignant speech to the House of Representatives during the final sitting week of the parliamentary year. His resignation marked the end of an era for a figure who had been central to the National Party's identity for decades.
Political analysts are now assessing the broader implications. Joyce's move to One Nation represents a significant recruitment coup for the party, lending it parliamentary experience and a high-profile name. Conversely, it deals a symbolic blow to the Nationals, losing one of their most recognisable—and controversial—figures to a rival party that often competes for similar regional and protest votes.
The coming months will reveal how this realignment affects policy debates, particularly on issues central to rural and regional Australia, and whether Joyce's gamble to seek a Senate spot under the One Nation banner will resonate with voters in New South Wales.
