Barnaby Joyce has announced he is moving to One Nation

Former Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce has ended weeks of speculation, formally announcing he will join the One Nation Party after defecting from The Nationals.

Former Nationals member for New England Barnaby Joyce announced his defection to One Nation. Picture: Mick Tsikas

Canberra’s worst-kept secret has been confirmed, with former Nationals Leader Barnaby Joyce public announcing his move to One Nation after months of speculation.

The New England MP confirmed the move in a post on social media about a week after resigning from the Nationals.

Mr Joyce said he would continue his term as a One Nation MP in the lower house before standing as a senator for NSW in the next election.

“There has been no more considered and serious decision than the one I make today to join One Nation,” he said in a statement.

He also spoke more in-depth about his decision to leave the Nationals, and said his “professional relationship” with the “leadership had become incongruous with me giving my best”.

While Mr Joyce didn’t immediately announce his defection to One Nation, himself and One Nation Leader Pauline Hanson stoked speculation after the pair were seen having a wagyu steak dinner in Ms Hanson’s office during the last sitting week.

The meat were sourced from 2GR, a premium beef brand owned by mining magnate Gina Rinehart, and cooked by Ms Hanson on her kitchenette sandwich press.

It comes after he shared a steak dinner with Pauline Hanson in her office on Monday 24 November 2025. Picture: Supplied

Following Monday’s news, Ms Hanson immediately welcomed the move, and said she had travelled to Tamworth, in Mr Joyce’s electorate, to make the announcement.

Mr Joyce will now become One Nation’s first MP in the House of Representatives. The party also holds four seats in the Senate.

Ms Hanson, who will aim to increase One Nation’s representation at the 2028 federal election, said Mr Joyce’s profile would strengthen the minor party’s position.

“I have always been very straightforward about asking Mr Joyce to join our team, and on making it clear this was always his decision,” she said.

“I am pleased he’s chosen One Nation, and I welcome his experience, his advice and his determination to get a fair go for farmers and regional Australia.

“Mr Joyce strengthens One Nation’s position in parliament just as many Australians are strengthening our position in the polls.”

Nations Leader David Littleproud said Mr Joyce’s decision to join One Nation was “disappointing” and he criticised the group for being a “party of protest, not a party of government”.

“Our regional representatives need to be able to get things done in government and that can only happen as part of a Coalition,” he said.

“Today, Barnaby’s decision breaks the contract he made with the people of New England at the 2025 Federal Election.”

He accused Mr Joyce’s decision to “turn his back” on the party and his constituents for a party which “is never able to achieve anything other than headlines”.

“I have never had a personal issue or problem with Barnaby Joyce. This issue is about Barnaby wanting to be the Leader of a party,” he said.

Senator Pauline Hanson travelled to Tamworth, in Mr Joyce’s electorate, to make the announcement. Picture: NewsWire Handout

One Nation also recently announced it’s renewed energy policy, which called for Australia to remove itself from the Paris Agreement and commitment to net zero, and direct investment into nuclear reactors and coal power plants.

Ms Hanson said the party would also fight “fighting to end mass immigration, dismantle net zero, and lower the cost of living.”

Jim Chalmers capitalised on the defection and said: “the Coalition is now so bad that not even Barnaby Joyce wants to hang around them”.

“The Coalition is so divided and so divisive and so bereft of any economic credibility that they’re losing members left, right and centre. And this is what happens when a Coalition major party goes out of its way just to be a pale imitation of One Nation.”

Originally published as Barnaby Joyce has announced he is moving to One Nation