CANBERRA – Former Australian Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce has resigned from the National Party after a 30-year affiliation, a move that has sent shockwaves through the nation's political landscape and has been labelled an "act of treason" by a former colleague. Announcing his decision in the House of Representatives on Thursday, 27 November 2025, Joyce stated he was seeking a "better position" to advocate for regional Australia than the backbenches of the opposition Coalition.

The outspoken politician, who has twice led the rural-focused National Party, confirmed he will serve out his term as an independent Member of Parliament for New England but will not recontest the seat at the next election. Joyce also revealed he is "strongly considering" joining the right-wing populist One Nation party, a move that could see him run for a Senate seat.

Joyce cited a breakdown in his relationship with the current Nationals leadership, stating that after announcing his intentions five weeks prior, he had only a "90-second conversation" with the party leader, David Littleproud, and no communication with the deputy leader. "So after 30 years with the National party, I am resigning from the party. And that leaves me with a heavy heart," Joyce told parliament.

Leadership Reacts with Disappointment

The decision has drawn sharp criticism from his former colleagues. Nationals leader David Littleproud expressed his disappointment, stating Joyce had broken a contract with the voters of New England and that the party had supported him through his "darkest moments." Michael McCormack, a former Nationals leader and leadership rival to Joyce, said the move "cannot end well" and urged him to reflect on what the party had given him. Former party elder John "Wacka" Williams went further, calling the defection an "act of treason."

However, Joyce's allies, such as Senator Matt Canavan, expressed sadness but held out hope for his return, noting he had not yet joined another party. The resignation underscores deep divisions within the National Party, particularly over climate policy. Joyce has been a vocal critic of the Coalition's commitment to a net-zero emissions target by 2050, a stance that aligns him more closely with One Nation.

A Tumultuous Political Career

Barnaby Joyce, born on 17 April 1967, has had a long and often controversial career in Australian politics. First elected to the Senate for Queensland in 2004, he moved to the House of Representatives in 2013. He served as Deputy Prime Minister under Prime Ministers Malcolm Turnbull and Scott Morrison. His career has been marked by ministerial roles in agriculture, resources, and transport, but also by significant personal and political challenges.

In 2017, he was briefly disqualified from parliament during a dual-citizenship crisis due to holding New Zealand citizenship through his father. He resigned as party leader and Deputy Prime Minister in February 2018 following revelations of an extramarital affair with a former staffer and a separate sexual harassment allegation, which he denied. He returned to the leadership in June 2021 but was replaced by David Littleproud after the Coalition's defeat in the 2022 federal election.

Implications for Australian Politics and Global Observers

Joyce's potential move to One Nation, a party founded in 1997 by Pauline Hanson with a platform often described as populist and anti-immigration, could significantly impact the Australian political landscape. It threatens to split the conservative vote in regional areas, potentially weakening the National Party and, by extension, the Liberal-National Coalition. Some analysts believe Joyce's departure could be a blow to the Nationals' hopes of retaining seats against a rising One Nation.

While this is a domestic Australian political event, its implications are of interest to international observers, including those in Kenya. Australia and Kenya share diplomatic and trade relations, with two-way trade valued at AU$115 million in 2018-19 and growing. Both are members of the Commonwealth of Nations. Political instability or significant policy shifts in a partner country like Australia are monitored by governments and businesses globally. A shift in the Coalition's stance on issues like climate change or international trade, potentially influenced by a strengthened populist bloc, could have long-term, indirect effects on bilateral relationships. As of October 2025, both nations had renewed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in trade, agriculture, and climate action. The political developments in Canberra will be watched closely for any signs of change in these established partnerships.