In Victoria, Barnaby Joyce has claimed multiple state Coalition MPs have canvassed defecting to One Nation.
Speaking to the Herald Sun, Joyce said “of course” they were talking to opposition MPs about following his example in fleeing to Pauline Hanson’s party, but didn’t guarantee they would be permitted.
“Just because you want to jump doesn’t necessarily mean we want to catch you,” he said.
Barnaby Joyce and Pauline Hanson have teased that more Nationals could defect to One Nation.Alex Ellinghausen
Joyce made the comments before speaking at the Across Victoria event in Horsham, which will include discussions about renewable energy and transmission lines, alongside other issues in regional communities.
Newspoll results published on Sunday night showed that nationally, the Coalition’s vote has dropped to 18 per cent, while One Nation is polling a primary of 27 per cent.
But Victorian Nationals MP Danny O’Brien, who spoke at the same event, said there were zero chances of defections.
“I don’t believe for a second that any Victorian Coalition MPs will be joining One Nation,” he told the Herald Sun.
Victorian Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio seized on Joyce’s comments, accusing the Liberals of having a “toxic workplace”.
“She needs to come clean immediately and reveal which Liberals are in discussion with Barnaby Joyce,” she said.