New coal power station and an emissions fight: Qld promises that got Joyce back in

Queenslanders played a pivotal role in the coup which saw Barnaby Joyce returned as Nationals leader. Here’s what they’re hoping for in return. VOTE IN THE POLL

A new coal-fired power station and a carve out for farmers from emissions reductions are the changes Nationals behind the latest leadership coup want Barnaby Joyce to fight for as Australia’s new Deputy Prime Minister.

Senator Matt Canavan revealed to The Courier-Mail that he moved to spill the National Party leadership to “protect regional Queensland jobs and interests”.

The return of Mr Joyce to the Deputy Prime Ministership after he is sworn in on Tuesday morning has some in the Coalition expecting it will boost their chances in central Queensland, though some are concerned on whether he will hurt their vote with women.

Barnaby Joyce will be sworn in as Deputy Prime Minister on Tuesday morning. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

There is hope in the party Mr Joyce will push for a new coal-fired power station and for agriculture, and potentially mining, to be carved out of any of Australia’s emissions reduction targets as he renegotiates the Coalition agreement with Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

After securing victory on Monday Mr Joyce promised policies that would deliver the best chance of winning in places like central Queensland.

But pressed on what he would fight for in the agreement, including around net-zero emissions, Mr Joyce said he would consult his colleagues.

“I will be guided by my party room. It is not Barnaby policy – it’s Nationals policy,” he said.

Wasting no time, it is understood when he spoke with Mr Morrison he already had a list of what would be needed to win key seats.

Queenslanders Senator Canavan, Llew O’Brien, George Christensen and Ken O’Dowd were among the Mr Joyce’s strongest supporters in seeing him returned as leader, as the party thrashed out its leadership issues in an hour-long meeting.

David Littleproud, who had stood by outgoing leader Michael McCormack, is remaining as deputy leader.

Those inside the Nationals are urging minimal changes to the front bench, unlike after the last National spill won by Mr McCormack, to give party time to heal.

There are some expectations that Victorian Senator Bridget McKenzie will return to the front bench, Keith Pitt is likely to keep his Cabinet spot while Senator Canavan will remain on the backbench.

There are suggestions Mr Joyce won as many as 14 of the needed 11 votes, but unlike the Liberal Party the two Nationals’ whips who count the vote do not announce the numbers even to their colleagues.

Supporters of Mr Joyce said they were not certain they had the numbers until the whips read out the result.

Mr Joyce joked about his own uncertainty, saying “if I thought it was going to happen, I would have brought my hat”.

He said he would use his position to shore up the Coalition’s chances in regional Australia, including his former home of Queensland.

“I want to make sure that we have a process that we can go to places such as central Queensland, that we have the capacity to … give us the very best chance of winning the next election,” he said.

Confronting the scandals which saw him lose his job in February 2018, Mr Joyce rejected any allegations of sexual harassment, which he described as “spurious and defamatory”, with an internal investigation of the claims at the time being unable to reach a conclusion.

But he said he had reflected during his three years on the backbench.

“I acknowledge my faults. And I resigned as I should and I did,” he said.

“I don’t want to dwell on the personal, except to say – hopefully one learns from their mistakes and makes a better person of themselves.

“I don’t walk away from making sure that I can be a better person and do a better job.

“I’m reminded of that by the people that I love most, my four daughters and my two sons and (partner) Vikki (Campion).”

LNP Senator Matt Canavan moved the spill which saw Barnaby Joyce returned as leader of the National Party. Picture: Matt Taylor

Senator Canavan confirmed he moved the spill motion which saw Mr McCormack deposed as leader.

“I moved the spill because my judgment has been than Barnaby has the fight we need to protect regional Queensland jobs and interests,” Senator Canavan said.

“I have always been upfront about my view.

“As Michael (McCormack) has shown today he is a man of unparalleled integrity and decency. He has done a great service for the nation.”

Flynn MP Ken O’Dowd said Mr Joyce as Deputy Prime Minister would take a new look at the proposed Collinsville coal-fired power station, which has stalled at the business case stage for years.

“I think Barnaby will look at the Collinsville power station, but he will look at other sites for the coal-fired power station. We might need more than one,” he said.

“A lot of people consider Barnaby a Queenslander. He knows Queensland very well.”

Fronting the media with his wife Catherine, Mr McCormack said he respected the outcome of the spill and wished Mr Joyce well.

But he said Australians questioning why there has been yet another spill in Parliament would have to ask those who called it.

“I don’t think the party was actually dissatisfied with my performance, someone wanted their job back and that drove them for three years,” Mr McCormack said.

Mr Morrison, who remains in quarantine following his G7 trip, said he congratulated Mr Joyce on his victory and that he looked forward to working with him.

“I want it placed on record, my deep appreciation to the current Deputy Prime Minister. We have enjoyed a close and a strong bond leading together as part of a strong correlation,” he said.

“Barnaby and I have a shared passion for ensuring our regions and rural communities thrive.”