Former Australian Deputy PM Defects to One Nation Party

Key Takeaways

• Former Australian deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce has joined the anti-immigration party One Nation.
• Joyce’s decision to leave the Nationals and join One Nation has sparked controversy and speculation about his political future.
• One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has welcomed Joyce to the party, citing his experience and determination to support farmers and regional Australia.
• Joyce has criticized Australia’s energy platform, population growth, and cultural diversity, saying that the country needs to bind together under a common culture.
• The Nationals leader, David Littleproud, has expressed disappointment at Joyce’s decision, calling One Nation a "party of protest" that cannot achieve anything substantial.

Introduction to Barnaby Joyce’s Decision
Barnaby Joyce, the former deputy prime minister of Australia, has made a shocking move by joining the anti-immigration party One Nation. This decision comes less than two weeks after he quit the opposition Nationals, a party he once led. Joyce confirmed his defection on a local radio station in Tamworth, ending months of speculation about his future in politics. He acknowledged that his decision might "hurt" some people, but he believes it is necessary to "turn this country around to make it great again." One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has welcomed Joyce to the party, citing his experience and determination to support farmers and regional Australia.

Background on Barnaby Joyce
Joyce has been a key figure in Australian politics, particularly in rural and regional communities. He has had several stints as leader of the Nationals and has been the member for New England in the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) for over a decade. However, his career has not been without controversy. In 2018, he was forced to resign as deputy prime minister due to public pressure over his extra-marital affair with a staffer. He has also been involved in high-profile feuds, including a public row with actors Johnny Depp and Amber Heard over their attempt to smuggle their pet dogs into Australia.

One Nation and Its Policies
One Nation, founded by Pauline Hanson in 1997, has surged in popularity in recent polls. The party is known for its anti-immigration stance and its criticism of multiculturalism. Hanson has been a vocal critic of Islam and has called for a ban on the burqa. Her actions have been widely condemned, including a recent incident where she wore a burqa to parliament as part of her campaign to ban the garment. Joyce has also expressed similar views, criticizing Australia’s population growth via immigration and saying that the country needs to bind together under a common culture.

Reaction to Joyce’s Decision
The reaction to Joyce’s decision has been mixed. Nationals leader David Littleproud has expressed disappointment, calling One Nation a "party of protest" that cannot achieve anything substantial. However, Hanson has welcomed Joyce to the party, citing his experience and determination to support farmers and regional Australia. Joyce will represent One Nation in the lower house until the next federal election and will then run as a candidate for the Senate. His decision is likely to have significant implications for Australian politics, particularly in rural and regional communities.

Implications of Joyce’s Decision
Joyce’s decision to join One Nation has sparked controversy and speculation about his political future. It is unclear how his move will affect the Nationals and the coalition government. However, it is clear that Joyce’s decision will have significant implications for Australian politics, particularly in rural and regional communities. As a key figure in the Nationals, Joyce’s departure is likely to be felt deeply. His decision to join One Nation may also embolden the party and its anti-immigration stance, potentially leading to further polarization in Australian politics.

Conclusion
In conclusion, Barnaby Joyce’s decision to join One Nation has sent shockwaves through Australian politics. His criticism of Australia’s energy platform, population growth, and cultural diversity has sparked controversy and speculation about his political future. While the implications of his decision are still unclear, it is evident that Joyce’s move will have significant consequences for Australian politics, particularly in rural and regional communities. As the country grapples with issues of immigration, energy, and cultural diversity, Joyce’s decision to join One Nation is likely to be a major factor in shaping the national conversation.