Natalie Joyce breaks silence over Barnaby’s affair with Vikki Campion

Natalie Joyce breaks her silence over estranged husband Barnaby’s affair describing her feelings about their TV interview

Natalie Joyce. Picture: The Australian Women’s Weekly.

Natalie Joyce has broken her silence over her estranged husband Barnaby’s affair and love child, saying the former deputy prime minister’s tell-all paid television interview with partner Vikki Campion was “an absolute disgrace”.

Natalie Joyce said she was speaking out to set the record straight, and to “empower” the couple’s four daughters Bridgette, 21, Julia, 20, Caroline, 18, and Odette, 15.

She criticised the decision of her husband, the former deputy prime minister, and his lover to tell their story to the Seven Network’s Sunday Night program earlier this month, for a reported $150,000 fee, which is to be held in trust for their baby son Sebastian.

Mrs Joyce blamed Ms Campion, her husband’s former press secretary, for the decision to give the interview, which was widely criticised.

“I wasn’t surprised she sold their ‘exclusive’ story, and certainly not surprised the $150,000 went to her child, but it begs the question, if Barney agreed to be a part of it, how could he allow his four girls to be overlooked?” Mrs Joyce told The Australian Women’s Weekly.

“In saying that, I wouldn’t want a cent of that money. It was all we could do to watch it without throwing a brick at the TV.”

Barnaby Joyce and his estranged wife Natalie arriving last year’s Midwinter Ball. Picture: Ray Strange

Mr Joyce has taken personal leave from parliament, and resigned his positions as leader of the National Party and deputy prime minister, although he has hinted at a political comeback down the track.

Mrs Joyce, who has been silent about the affair, apart from one brief statement when the news of Ms Campion’s pregnancy broke, tells the magazine she thinks her estranged husband is on the brink of a breakdown.

In the interview, which is published tomorrow as part of the Weekly’s rural women issue, Mrs Joyce says Ms Campion destroyed her family and stole her life.

“I’m normally a very private person but I knew I had to find my voice. They thought I would lie down, but this time I couldn’t,” she told the Weekly.

“I’m doing this so the girls feel empowered, and know their mum stood up and defended our fine name.”

In his Sunday Night interview, Mr Joyce said he regretted hurting his wife and their four daughters, who were caught unawares by news of the affair.

Vikki Campion and Barnaby Joyce during their interview with Sunday Night. Picture: Channel 7

Bauer Media, which owns the Weekly, said the interview was unpaid and that Mrs Joyce agreed to talk to the magazine before Mr Joyce spoke about his marriage breakdown and affair to Sunday Night.

“At no point was the topic of payment for the story raised, despite numerous offers from other media outlets. The courageous mum was ultimately driven to speak to The Weekly by her four daughters,” the company said in a statement.

Editor-in-Chief, Nicole Byers, said: “With grace and conviction, Natalie reveals what it’s like to be a woman whose husband’s extramarital affair garnered national news and public debate. “In so bravely and eloquently finding her voice, she will no doubt inspire women across Australia and we’re extremely grateful Natalie trusted The Australian Women’s Weekly to tell her story.”