Senior figures within the Liberal party have strongly refuted claims made by Barnaby Joyce, who recently defected to Pauline Hanson's One Nation party, that he had discussed a potential deal for supply and confidence to form a minority government. Joyce asserted that he had engaged in talks with senior Liberals regarding a pathway to oust the current Labor government after the next election.
Hanson has publicly called for the Coalition and opposition leader Angus Taylor to unite against the Labor party ahead of the 2028 election. Joyce elaborated that One Nation would offer supply and confidence, contingent on the acknowledgment and implementation of their policy outcomes, and would expect reciprocal treatment if they secured more seats than the Coalition.
However, Taylor unequivocally denied that any such discussions had occurred, stating he had not authorized anyone else to have such conversations. Deputy Liberal leader Jane Hume was dismissive, suggesting Joyce was 'clutching at straws' and possibly experiencing 'post-purchase dissonance' after his move to One Nation. Shadow treasurer Tim Wilson echoed this sentiment, labeling Joyce's claims as a 'figment of his imagination' and questioning his motives given his past electoral promises.
Despite these denials, some Liberals, such as South Australian powerbroker Alex Antic, have advocated for closer collaboration with Hanson. One Nation has ruled out a formal coalition agreement, while Taylor has indicated openness to governing in minority with a guarantee of One Nation's support on government bills.