Barnaby Joyce has stated he is unaware of any crime reports related to his recent public incidents, despite ongoing discussions about his political future and potential affiliations. This comes as Pauline Hanson, leader of One Nation, has publicly acknowledged attempts to recruit Joyce to her party.
Speculation surrounding Joyce's political trajectory intensified following a widely reported incident where he was filmed falling off a planter box in Canberra. This event, coupled with past health issues, fueled rumors of a potential defection from the National Party. Joyce has since confirmed he will not contest his seat of New England in the next election, due in 2028.
Political Maneuvers and Public Statements
Joyce's Public Statement: In an official statement, Joyce expressed embarrassment about the planter box incident. He also confirmed his decision not to seek re-election.
Hanson's Recruitment Efforts: Pauline Hanson has been open about her attempts to persuade Joyce to join One Nation. She has stated, "I like what he stands for," and confirmed that the offer to join her party remains open.
National Party's Stance: Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie indicated that she did not believe Joyce would defect to One Nation. Other reports suggest that some within the Coalition encouraged Joyce to consider retiring after the planter box incident.
Coalition Concerns: There were concerns within the Coalition that Joyce's potential move to One Nation could lead to other National Party members following suit, particularly as Hanson expands her campaigning in regional areas.
Evidence of Discussions and Incidents
Planter Box Incident: Joyce confirmed in a statement that he had "fallen off the inner-city planter box." He was reportedly seen "mumbling into a mobile phone" after the incident. His wife, Vikki Campion, confirmed she was on the phone with him at the time and stated the words were not directed at her.
Talks with One Nation: Several articles indicate that Joyce held "lengthy talks" with Pauline Hanson's party about joining. However, these discussions ultimately "went nowhere," with Joyce reportedly "staying loyal" to his party.
Joyce Not Standing for Re-election: Joyce confirmed in a statement that he "would not be standing for his seat of New England at the next election."
Hanson's Public Statements: Senator Hanson has actively used her Facebook account to discuss her efforts to recruit Joyce, confirming she "attempted to recruit Joyce to her eponymously named Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party."
Joyce's Reaction to Crime Report Allegations
When questioned about potential crime reports linked to his public activities, Barnaby Joyce stated he was "not aware" of any such reports. This response comes amidst significant media attention surrounding his political future and his past public incidents.
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Conflicting Accounts on Joyce's Future
There appears to be a divergence of opinion regarding Barnaby Joyce's next political steps:
| Source's Perspective | Claim | Supporting Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Pauline Hanson | Actively recruited Joyce, offer still stands. | "I like what he stands for." Public statements and videos confirming recruitment attempts. |
| Barnaby Joyce (via statement) | Embarrassed by planter box incident; not running for re-election. | Confirmed falling off planter box; stated he will not stand for New England. |
| Bridget McKenzie (Nationals Senator) | Believes Joyce will not join One Nation. | Statement to Nine's Today program. |
| Coalition Sources | Some suggested Joyce should retire after the incident. | Implied pressure for Joyce to consider retirement. |
| Media Reports | Joyce held lengthy talks with One Nation about joining. | Articles detail discussions that "ultimately went nowhere." |
Expert Analysis and Public Perception
Public perception of Barnaby Joyce has been a factor in discussions about his career. A Resolve Strategic survey published in December of the previous year rated him as the second most unpopular federal politician. This low public standing has been observed to erode his support base within the National Party, exacerbated by the recent retirements of other MPs.
Conclusion and Unresolved Questions
Barnaby Joyce has publicly confirmed he will not contest the upcoming election and has expressed embarrassment over a recent public incident. Concurrently, Pauline Hanson has openly stated her desire for Joyce to join her One Nation party, an offer she claims is still valid. While reports indicate past discussions between Joyce and One Nation did not result in a move, the exact nature of Joyce's future political engagement remains a subject of discussion. The question of whether any official crime reports have been filed concerning the public incidents remains unaddressed by Joyce, who claims no awareness of them.
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Key Sources and Context
news.com.au: "Barnaby Joyce makes bombshell announcement" (Summary: Joyce confirms falling off planter box, not coming to parliament, after speculation of joining Pauline Hanson's party. Mentions past illness and a filmed incident of him mumbling on a footpath.)
Link: https://www.news.com.au/national/politics/pauline-hanson-says-happy-to-have-him-as-former-nationals-leader-barnaby-joyce-in-advanced-talks-to-quit-coalition/news-story/9a3476c8c14ba77d316c27c01ecdc09c
9news.com.au: "'Not going to happen': Hanson rubbishes claim Joyce could lead One Nation" (Summary: Joyce's colleague believes he won't join One Nation. Reports on Coalition infighting and concerns over Joyce taking other Nationals members if he defected. Mentions an awkward exchange involving Kevin Rudd and Donald Trump.)
Link: https://www.9news.com.au/national/pauline-hanson-rubbishes-claim-barnaby-joyce-will-lead-one-nation/f025f828-9f9e-40bf-bf6f-9c2adef65e5e
afr.com: "Barnaby Joyce to succeed Pauline Hanson as One Nation leader" (Summary: Joyce confirmed speculation he would not stand for his seat of New England at the next election, due in 2028.)
Link: https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/barnaby-joyce-to-leave-the-nationals-reports-20251018-p5n3gm
smh.com.au: "‘I like what he stands for’: Hanson says she did try to woo Joyce for One Nation" (Summary: Reports that Joyce considered joining One Nation after an incident. Hanson uploaded a video to Facebook stating he declined her offer but it still stands. Joyce held talks with One Nation that went nowhere.)
Link: https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/joyce-after-flirtation-with-one-nation-set-to-be-dumped-if-dutton-wins-20250211-p5lb5v.html
crikey.com.au: "Pauline Hanson and Barnaby Joyce — what could conceivably go wrong?" (Summary: Discusses Joyce staying "loyal" to his party despite potential cabinet loss. Mentions Joyce considered joining One Nation but it went nowhere.)
Link: https://www.crikey.com.au/2025/02/18/pauline-hanson-barnaby-joyce-one-nation/
farmonline.com.au: "Pauline tried to recruit Barnaby to One Nation: 'I like what he stands for'" (Summary: Senator Hanson confirmed on Facebook she attempted to recruit Joyce to One Nation. Notes Joyce's unpopularity in a previous survey and eroded support within his party.)
Link: https://www.farmonline.com.au/story/8895193/pauline-hanson-attempted-to-lure-barnaby-joyce-to-one-nation/
