The 2025 federal election has delivered a blunt verdict: Australians have had enough of the Coalition’s chaos. Labor’s historic re-election—and Peter Dutton’s defeat in his own seat—reflect a public weary of Coalition dysfunction, division, and leaders more focused on headlines than results.
And no one has been more emblematic of that dysfunction than Barnaby Joyce.
As a central player in the Coalition’s revolving-door leadership, Mr. Joyce helped foster the very instability voters have now rejected. He has twice led the Nationals, returned through internal spill, and departed under pressure, each time leaving behind more questions than achievements. His political career has been marked by personal controversy, public outbursts, and a combative style that may have attracted attention—but rarely delivered outcomes.
Even when he was Deputy Prime Minister, wielding real power in government, what did New England gain? Despite holding one of the highest offices in the country, Mr. Joyce failed to secure meaningful progress for our region. Promises came and went—on water security, infrastructure, rural health—but little materialised. The opportunities were there; the outcomes were not.
Independent MP Bob Katter has long criticised the Nationals for their failure to deliver for rural communities. He stated, “The National Party… they were the Deputy Prime Minister of Australia for most of the last 20 years. And what have they done? They’ve caused the destruction of rural Australia”
Yet in New England, Barnaby Joyce has once again held his seat. While his local support remains relatively strong, the cracks in his influence are evident—swings against him in towns like Quirindi and Cassilis, and a noticeable rise in support for fringe parties, suggest growing frustration with the status quo.
Even now, despite holding the seat of New England, Mr. Joyce is on the political fringe. He is no longer on the Coalition front bench. He holds no shadow portfolio, exerts little policy influence, and is increasingly sidelined by his own colleagues. His voice may still be loud—but in Canberra, it’s no longer listened to.
Meanwhile, the challenges facing New England are serious: climate resilience, rural healthcare, economic diversification, and regional infrastructure all require real advocacy and constructive engagement with government. Mr. Joyce offers none of that. Instead, he remains entrenched in a combative, outdated political style that prioritises spectacle over service.
New England needs a representative who is relevant, respected, and able to work with government—not someone who has become a symbol of everything voters have rejected. We deserve a voice that speaks for us—not just at us.
The country is moving on. It’s time New England did too.
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