UPDATE: In a stunning political shift, Barnaby Joyce has officially resigned from the National Party after over 30 years, announcing his decision in a dramatic 90-second speech just moments before Question Time on November 27, 2025. This development follows weeks of speculation regarding his future and comes amid a backdrop of mounting frustrations within the party.
Joyce’s resignation marks a seismic change in the Australian political landscape as he prepares to defect to Pauline Hanson‘s One Nation. “This is about as far away as you can get from the dispatch box,” Joyce declared, expressing his disappointment over a lack of communication with party leadership. “After five weeks… I’ve had no communication [from] the leader of the Nationals. And that’s disappointing.”
The former deputy prime minister’s speech outlined urgent issues he believes the party has neglected, particularly the escalating cost-of-living crisis and the dire state of rural healthcare. “We have rural hospitals without doctors,” he highlighted, underscoring the critical need for change. Joyce’s passionate appeal reflects a broader discontent among constituents in rural areas, where support for major parties is waning.
This unexpected resignation follows a dinner Joyce had with Hanson earlier this week, fueling rumors of his move to One Nation. Sources report that Hanson has been actively courting Joyce, viewing him as a valuable asset to strengthen the party’s credibility and appeal. Joyce had previously announced he would not seek reelection for his seat in New England, leaving the door open for a potential Senate run with One Nation.
The timing of this defection is particularly significant as One Nation has been experiencing a surge in support, especially in regional areas disillusioned with the major parties. Recent polling indicates the party is gaining traction, even positioning itself ahead of the Greens as a formidable challenger in the current political climate.
As Joyce transitions to One Nation, he is likely to play a crucial role in shaping the party’s future as it seeks to capitalize on the growing dissatisfaction with traditional political structures. The fallout from this decision will undoubtedly ripple through Australian politics, raising questions about the future dynamics within the National Party and the broader implications for upcoming elections.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops, and watch for reactions from both sides of the aisle as political analysts assess the impact of Joyce’s resignation on the National Party and One Nation’s strategy moving forward.
