Barnaby Joyce fails to back Nats leader Michael McCormack

Barnaby Joyce fails to endorse the performance of his successor, deputy PM Michael McCormack.

Former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce. Picture: Kym Smith.

Former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce has failed to ­endorse the leadership performance of his successor, Michael McCormack, amid growing anger within the party over ownership of the Coalition’s drought ­policy.

Mr Joyce defended the Nationals’ push to help drought-stricken farmers, but refused to counter suggestions that some Nationals MPs were angry with the party’s leadership. “It’s not my leadership, but the main thing that people understand is the pressure (on farmers),” he told Seven’s Sunrise.

Mr Joyce was asked six times about the Nationals’ leadership performance, but repeatedly ­deflected the questions. “He has to do the best job he can. He works within the confines of government with the Prime Minister,” Mr Joyce said of Mr McCormack.

Asked whether he supported Mr McCormack, Mr Joyce said: “We are making sure we drive the agenda. Yes, because we just want to focus on the people.”

Tensions within the Nationals boiled over at a partyroom meeting last Monday when some backbenchers voiced frustration with deputy leader Bridget McKenzie.

Nationals frontbencher Matt Canavan played down the dis­unity, declaring the Nationals were “getting on with the job”.

“We’ve got a great team. We’ve got a great leader in Michael and (deputy in) Bridget,” he said. “I didn’t see Barnaby’s interview, but often the way these questions get asked they’re all trying to place out a trap for people. We’ve just got to get on with the job.”

Scott Morrison is weighing up drought policy proposals from the Nationals and the National Farmers Federation, and is expected to announce further funding in coming weeks. “We’re considering further measures and have been for some time,” the Prime Minister said on Monday.

The NFF last week released a six-point proposal, which includes exit packages for farmers leaving the land. The Nationals are agitating for $1.3bn, including $10m cash grants for every council in a drought-declared area.

Senator McKenzie introduced an exposure draft for a mandatory code of conduct for the dairy industry on Monday. She said the code would come into effect in January, ahead of schedule, thanks to the Nationals’ advocacy.