LNP Senator Matt Canavan reveals why he won’t seek a return to the front bench

Outspoken LNP Senator Matt Canavan wants to become an “uncancellable” voice for regional Queensland, even if that means challenging his own government.

Outspoken LNP Senator Matt Canavan says he will not seek a return to the ministry after the next election, as he leverages freedom of the backbench to become an “uncancellable” voice for regional Queensland.

Joking that “in Cabinet no one can hear you scream”, Senator Canavan said he saw more benefit in being able to challenge policy, even his own government’s, whether it be on climate, live exports and China.

Senator Matt Canavan speaking at a press conference in Gladstone with Flynn MP Ken O'Dowd, Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce and LNP Flynn candidate Colin Boyce. Picture: Steve Vit

There was some surprise Senator Canavan did not return to the Cabinet after the Nationals spill he called which saw Barnaby Joyce returned as Deputy Prime Minister.

But he said he did not want to add the trauma of the spill, saying his return would have seen another colleague moved aside and the party needed to heal.

“I recognise change is traumatic and I didn’t think there was a need for more trauma,” he said.

“If I came back someone had to go.

“I did think we’d be better served as a party with a leader with a louder voice like Barnaby.”

He said his family, with wife Andrea and five children, were his first priority, but he was as busy now and away from home as often as he was in the Cabinet. 

“I don’t spend two-thirds of the year away from my family so I can have a bigger pay cheque or a title,” Senator Canavan said.

“Whatever position I can be in to make I difference is what I want to do.”

Pointing to the National party forcing the government to drop plans to appeal a Federal Court ruling against a 2011 temporary ban on live animal exports, Senator Canavan said he was contributing as a “somewhat independent voice” in the Senate.

“I’m not averse to criticising and holding the government to account. That’s an important role for a Senator to play,” he said.

LNP Senator Matt Canavan during a friendly State of Origin match played at Parliament House in June, 2021, Canberra. Picture: Picture: Getty Images

“In a tight vote I can have more influence than even around the Cabinet table.”

He said he had become “the favourite punching bag of extreme environmentalists”, but having the freedom to speak in parliament as he chose served an important role.

“The rise of cancel culture has made it more important for someone who is uncancellable in politics right now,” Senator Canavan said.

“God forbid we have a debate in the nation’s parliament.

“I might be wrong, but it’s a free country and other people can argue against me and may the best man or woman win.”