One Nation’s Farrer By-Election Win Could See Barnaby Joyce Make Shock Return to Lower House
- Barnaby Joyce’s plans to quit the Lower House and run for the Senate may be scrapped if One Nation wins the Farrer by-election.
- The veteran MP says he could stand for his long-held seat of New England in 2028 if One Nation wins a significant number of House of Representatives seats.
- One Nation is tipped to be a frontrunner in the Farrer by-election, with leader Pauline Hanson boasting a strong record in the Senate.
- Joyce also revealed his party is willing to join forces with the Coalition to oust Labor in 2028, but would not seek ministerial appointments.
In a shocking twist, Barnaby Joyce’s plans to abandon his long-held seat of New England may be put on hold if One Nation emerges victorious in next week’s Farrer by-election.
The veteran MP, who defected from the Nationals to One Nation last year, had announced plans to quit the Lower House and run for the Senate instead.
However, in a dramatic about-face, Joyce revealed on Sunday that he could be persuaded to stand for New England in 2028 if One Nation wins a significant number of House of Representatives seats.
Joyce’s comments come as One Nation is tipped to be a frontrunner in the Farrer by-election, with leader Pauline Hanson boasting a strong record in the Senate.
The populist party has a history of punching above its weight in the Upper House, with Hanson first elected three decades ago.
However, Joyce’s revelation suggests that One Nation is now setting its sights on the Lower House, with the Farrer by-election seen as a crucial test of the party’s mettle.
So, what’s behind Joyce’s sudden change of heart? According to the MP, it’s all about ensuring One Nation presents a united and professional front in the House of Representatives.
“If it looks like we’re going to get a large, a reasonable number of House of Representatives seats, then of course, the party, which I’m a part of, will no doubt make the request that I stand for New England,” Joyce told Sky’s Sunday Agenda.
“Because otherwise you’re just going to have a range of people who have never been there before.”
But what does this mean for the Coalition? Joyce’s comments suggest that One Nation is willing to do a deal with the Libs to oust Labor in 2028.
However, Opposition Leader Angus Taylor has repeatedly shut down prospects of an expanded Coalition to include One Nation. Despite this, the Liberal Party has preferenced One Nation above Farrer independent candidate Michelle Milthorpe, sparking speculation about a potential alliance.
Analysis: What This Means for Australia
One Nation’s potential win in the Farrer by-election has significant implications for Australian politics. If Joyce does decide to stand for New England, it could signal a major shift in the party’s strategy and ambitions.
But what does this mean for the country?
Security analysts say that a stronger One Nation presence in the House of Representatives could lead to more populist and nationalist policies, potentially destabilizing the country’s already fragile politics.
Law enforcement insiders warn that One Nation’s stance on law and order could also lead to more aggressive policing and tougher sentencing, potentially exacerbating social tensions.
Meanwhile, industry observers believe that a One Nation-Coalition alliance could lead to more protectionist economic policies, potentially harming Australia’s trade relationships and economic growth.
As the country waits with bated breath for the outcome of the Farrer by-election, one thing is clear: the stakes are high, and the consequences of a One Nation win could be far-reaching and profound.
