2021 National Party of Australia leadership spill

Last updated

2021 National Party of Australia
leadership spill
The National Party of Australia Logo.svg
←  2020 21 June 2021 2022  →
  Barnaby Joyce portrait.jpg Michael McCormack 2018-01 (cropped).jpg
Candidate Barnaby Joyce Michael McCormack
Caucus vote≥11 [lower-alpha 1] <11
Leader before election

Michael McCormack

Elected Leader

Barnaby Joyce

A leadership spill for the federal leadership of the National Party of Australia was held on 21 June 2021, and was called by the Senator for Queensland, Matt Canavan. [2] Following the spill in the regularly scheduled party room meeting, the incumbent Deputy Prime Minister and Nationals leader Michael McCormack was defeated by his predecessor Barnaby Joyce, who assumed the former's position as leader and Deputy Prime Minister.

Contents

The Nationals do not officially release the results of party leadership elections.

The spill was called amid reports that Joyce was considering a challenge against McCormack for the second time in two years. The previous leadership spill was held in February 2020 and Joyce was unsuccessful.

There was no spill for the deputy leadership position, which continued to be held by David Littleproud.

Background

In the parliamentary sitting week prior to the leadership spill, Prime Minister and Liberal Party leader Scott Morrison was overseas attending the G7 summit in the United Kingdom. Therefore, McCormack, as his capacity as Deputy Prime Minister, was the acting Prime Minister for the week. McCormack was criticised for his performance during Question Time, when he referred most questions directed to him onto other ministers. [3]

Additionally, while attending the G7, Morrison said he understood that "the world was moving to net zero emissions and a new energy economy was coming". He was using his experience in the G7 to lay the groundwork for adopting a net zero emissions target by 2050. [4] [5] However, this was opposed by some National Party members including Resources Minister Keith Pitt. They complained that an agreement from the National Party has not been sought, and also argued that adopting a net zero emissions target would "absolutely cause damage to industries in regional communities and was not government policy". [4] McCormack was criticised for not "extracting enough from the Prime Minister" in relation to the net zero emissions target. [6] [7] He was also criticised for lacking "cut-through and had not established enough of a brand differentiation to the Liberal Party". [2]

Spill

Matt Canavan, Senator for Queensland and a known supporter of Barnaby Joyce, moved a spill motion against McCormack, in which the latter lost. McCormack and Joyce stood for the subsequent leadership contest. Deputy party leader David Littleproud later admitted that if McCormack had not stood for the contest, he would have stood up for the contest against Joyce. [8]

Candidates

List of Michael McCormack supporters

Confirmed

Reported

List of Barnaby Joyce supporters

Confirmed

Reported

Aftermath

Question Time

On the day of the spill, Morrison was already back in Australia and quarantining in The Lodge for COVID-19. While Morrison could attend that day's Question Time via video conference, the Deputy Prime Minister would physically sit in the Prime Minister's chair in the House of Representatives during Question Time. Joyce was due to be sworn in as the next Deputy Prime Minister the following day. Therefore, McCormack, despite ousted as party leader, was still the Deputy Prime Minister and sat in the Prime Minister's chair for Question Time that day. [19]

Net Zeros Emission Target by 2050

After the spill, Joyce was asked by the media if he would oppose Morrison's plan to adopt a net zero emissions target by 2050. Joyce responded that the matter would be discussed in the party room and said that he would be guided by the party room. He claimed that whatever decision would not be "Barnaby policy" but "Nationals' policy", which he would "advocate for". [2]

Murray–Darling Basin Plan

On 23 June 2021, two days after the spill, Nationals senators sought to amend the legislation introduced by the Liberal Party and Coalition cabinet ministers in relation to the Murray–Darling Basin Plan. None of the senators were cabinet ministers, and all reportedly voted for Joyce in the spill. [18] The senators proposed that 450 gigalitres of water should not be required by legislation to be returned to the environment, that the Commonwealth not be allowed to buy back any more water rights from irrigators, and that the deadline for water-saving projects be extended "to 2024 and beyond", and new projects considered. The amendments were eventually defeated in the Senate that night, with the Greens, Labor and the Liberals voting against them. [20] Labor and the Greens claimed this was a result of a change in the Nationals leadership. The following day, Nationals lower house MP Damian Drum attempted to introduce an identical amendment in the House of Representatives. He later withdrew the amendment, as Joyce, as a cabinet minister, would be forced to vote along with the government and oppose his own party policy. [21]

The amendments were also criticised by South Australians including the South Australian Liberal state government. [22]

Reactions by female National Party members

Joyce's ascension as federal party leader was not supported by some female Nationals federal and state MPs. Federal Nationals lower house MPs Michelle Landry and Anne Webster raised concerns that women would not be happy at Joyce becoming leader. [23] [19] The WA opposition leader and WA Nationals leader Mia Davies said it was "very disappointing" to see Joyce return as leader of federal Nationals, while Victoria Nationals deputy leader Steph Ryan said that Joyce's past actions "did not make him eligible for the leadership". [24] [25]

Cabinet reshuffle

In the subsequent ministerial reshuffle the following week, McCormack and his supporters Mark Coulton and Darren Chester were demoted to the backbench, while Joyce's supporters Bridget McKenzie and Andrew Gee were promoted to the cabinet. [26] [27] [11] David Gillespie, also a supporter of Joyce, was promoted to the outer ministry. [28] Resources and water minister Keith Pitt, who introduced the government's Murray–Darling Basin Plan legislation, was demoted from the cabinet to the outer ministry.

Notes

  1. ↑ The National Party does not release the results of their internal elections. [1]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Warren Truss</span> Australian politician, 16th Deputy Prime Minister of Australia

Warren Errol Truss is a former Australian politician who served as the 16th deputy prime minister of Australia and the minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development in the Abbott government and the Turnbull government. Truss served as the federal leader of the National Party of Australia between 2007 and 11 February 2016 when he announced his decision to retire and not contest the 2016 federal election. He was the member of the House of Representatives for Wide Bay from the 1990 election until his retirement in May 2016. Following the merger of the Queensland branches of the Nationals and Liberals, Truss was re-elected in 2010 for the Liberal National Party.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Barnaby Joyce</span> Australian politician (born 1967)

Barnaby Thomas Gerard Joyce is an Australian politician who served as the leader of the National Party of Australia from 2016 to 2018 and again from 2021 to 2022. Joyce served as the 17th deputy prime minister of Australia during both his leadership tenures under Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull from 2016 to 2018 and Prime Minister Scott Morrison from 2021 to 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mark Coulton</span> Australian politician

Mark Maclean Coulton is an Australian politician. He is a member of the National Party and has served in the House of Representatives since the 2007 federal election, representing the Division of Parkes in New South Wales. He has served as Minister for Regional Health, Regional Communications and Local Government (2020–2021), Minister for Regional Services, Decentralisation and Local Government (2019–2020), Assistant Minister for Trade and Investment (2019–2020), Assistant Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment (2018–2019), and Deputy Speaker of the House (2016–2018).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Darren Chester</span> Australian politician (born 1967)

Darren Jeffrey Chester is an Australian politician. He has been a member of the House of Representatives for Gippsland in Victoria, representing the Nationals since 2008. Chester had served as the Minister for Veterans' Affairs and the Minister for Defence Personnel between March 2018 and July 2021 in the Turnbull and Morrison governments. He was also Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Centenary of ANZAC until May 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Michael McCormack (Australian politician)</span> Australian politician (born 1964)

Michael Francis McCormack is an Australian politician who served as the 18th deputy prime minister of Australia from 2018 to 2021 under Prime Ministers Malcolm Turnbull and later Scott Morrison. He was also Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, having previously served as Minister for Defence Personnel and Minister for Veterans' Affairs from 2017 to 2018. McCormack has been a member of the House of Representatives since 2010, representing the Division of Riverina in New South Wales. He was a newspaper editor before entering politics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Andrew Gee (politician)</span> Politician from New South Wales, Australia

Andrew Robert Gee is an Australian politician. He has held the Division of Calare in the House of Representatives since 2016, representing the National Party until December 2022 when he resigned to sit as an independent over the party's opposition to an Indigenous Voice to Parliament.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John McVeigh (politician)</span> Australian politician

John Joseph McVeigh is an Australian former politician. He was elected to the House of Representatives at the 2016 federal election, representing the Division of Groom. He was a member of the Liberal National Party of Queensland and sat in the Liberal party room. During the Turnbull government he served in cabinet as Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government from 2017 to 2018. He previously served in the Legislative Assembly of Queensland from 2012 to 2016 and was Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry under Premier Campbell Newman.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kevin Hogan (politician)</span> Australian politician (born 1963)

Kevin John Hogan is an Australian politician. He has been a Nationals member of the Australian House of Representatives, representing the Division of Page in New South Wales, since September 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">David Gillespie (politician)</span> Australian politician and gastroenterologist

David Arthur Gillespie is an Australian politician and gastroenterologist. He is a member of the National Party and has served in the House of Representatives since 2013, representing the New South Wales seat of Lyne. He held ministerial portfolios during the Turnbull and Morrison governments as Assistant Minister for Rural Health (2016–2017), Assistant Minister for Health (2017), Assistant Minister for Children and Families (2017–2018), Minister for Regional Health (2021–2022), and Minister Assisting the Minister for Trade and Investment (2021–2022).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Keith Pitt</span> Australian politician

Keith John Pitt is an Australian politician. He is a member of the National Party and has represented the Division of Hinkler in Queensland since the 2013 federal election. He was a member of cabinet in the Morrison government as Minister for Resources and Water and also served as an assistant minister in the Turnbull government. He was an electrical engineer and businessman before entering politics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Steph Ryan</span> Australian politician

Stephanie Maureen Ryan is a former Australian politician. She was a National Party member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly from 2014 to 2022, representing the Legislative Assembly seat of Euroa. Ryan retired from politics at the 2022 Victorian state election, citing family reasons. Making the announcement while pregnant with her second child, Ryan expressed a desire to seek more flexible employment.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Turnbull government</span> Australian government, 2015–18

The Turnbull government was the federal executive government of Australia led by the 29th prime minister of Australia, Malcolm Turnbull, from 2015 to 2018. It succeeded the Abbott government, which brought the Coalition to power at the 2013 Australian federal election. The government consisted of members of Australia's Liberal-Nationals Coalition. Turnbull took office by challenging his leader, Tony Abbott, in an internal leadership ballot. Warren Truss, the leader of the Nationals, served as Deputy Prime Minister until he retired in 2016 and was replaced by Barnaby Joyce. Joyce resigned in February 2018 and the Nationals' new leader Michael McCormack became Deputy Prime Minister. The Turnbull government concluded with Turnbull's resignation ahead of internal leadership ballot which saw him succeeded as Prime Minister by Scott Morrison and the Morrison government.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">David Littleproud</span> Australian politician

David Kelly Littleproud is an Australian politician who has been the leader of the National Party since May 2022. He has represented the Queensland seat of Maranoa since the 2016 federal election and was a cabinet minister in the Turnbull and Morrison governments.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Second Turnbull ministry</span> 70th ministry of government of Australia

The second Turnbull ministry was the 70th ministry of the Government of Australia, led by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. It succeeded the first Turnbull ministry following the 2016 Australian federal election on 2 July 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">45th Parliament of Australia</span> Federal parliamentary term in Australia (2016–2019)

The 45th Parliament of Australia was a meeting of the legislative branch of the Australian federal government, composed of the Australian Senate and the Australian House of Representatives. It met in Canberra from 30 August 2016 to 4 April 2019. The 2016 general election held on 2 July gave the Coalition of the Liberal and National Parties control of the House, albeit with a slimmer majority than the 44th Parliament, allowing their leader Malcolm Turnbull to stay in office as the 29th Prime Minister of Australia. During the term of the parliament, the government slipped into minority due to defections and by-elections. The leadership of the government also changed during the parliament, when Scott Morrison replaced Turnbull as Liberal Leader and Prime Minister in August 2018. The 45th Parliament was officially prorogued by the Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove at 8:29 a.m. on 11 April 2019, and the House of Representatives dissolved at 8:30 a.m.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2018 National Party of Australia leadership election</span>

A leadership election was held on 26 February 2018 to select Barnaby Joyce's replacement as leader of the National Party of Australia and Deputy Prime Minister. Michael McCormack was elected party leader.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">46th Parliament of Australia</span> 2019–2022 meeting of the Australian Parliament

The 46th Parliament of Australia was a meeting of the legislative branch of the Australian federal government, composed of the Australian Senate and the Australian House of Representatives. The 2019 federal election gave the Coalition of the Liberal and National Parties control of the House, originally with a three-seat majority, allowing their leader Scott Morrison to stay in office as the 30th Prime Minister of Australia. The 46th Parliament was opened in Canberra on 2 July 2019 and was dissolved by the Governor General David Hurley on 11 April 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Second Morrison ministry</span> Australian government ministry led by Scott Morrison

The second Morrison ministry was the 72nd ministry of the Australian Government. It was led by Prime Minister Scott Morrison. The second Morrison ministry succeeded the first Morrison ministry following the 2019 Australian federal election. The ministry was announced on 26 May 2019 and was sworn in on 29 May. Following the Coalition's defeat at the 2022 election, the ministry was succeeded by the Albanese ministry on 23 May 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2020 National Party of Australia leadership spill</span>

A leadership spill for the federal leadership of the National Party of Australia was held on 4 February 2020, and was called by the Member for Wide Bay, Llew O'Brien.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2022 National Party of Australia leadership spill</span>

A leadership spill for the federal leadership of the National Party of Australia was held on 30 May 2022. The spill follows the federal election in which the Coalition, of which the Nationals form part, lost government, earlier in the same month. The incumbent leader, Barnaby Joyce, had served as Deputy Prime Minister in the outgoing government. He lost against his deputy David Littleproud, who was elected party leader.

References

  1. ↑ Grattan, Michelle (4 February 2020). "Barnaby Joyce's leadership challenge fails, taking minister down with him". InDaily. Retrieved 4 February 2020.
  2. 1 2 3 "Barnaby Joyce returns as leader of Nationals after defeating Michael McCormack in spill". ABC News. 21 June 2021. Retrieved 21 June 2021.
  3. ↑ Tingle, Laura (19 June 2021). "Scott Morrison has a serious weakness — The Nationals, his coalition partner". ABC News.
  4. 1 2 McCulloch, Daniel (17 June 2021). "Nationals digging in against carbon target". The Canberra Times. Retrieved 25 June 2021.
  5. ↑ Harris, Rob (20 June 2021). "Joyce circles McCormack as Nationals MPs consider switch". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 25 June 2021.
  6. ↑ "Five quick questions about Barnaby Joyce returning as deputy prime minister". ABC News. 21 June 2021. Retrieved 25 June 2021.
  7. ↑ Barlow, Karen; Jervis-Bardy, Dan (21 June 2021). "Nationals spill: Barnaby Joyce ousts Michael McCormack as party leader". The Canberra Times. Retrieved 25 June 2021.
  8. ↑ Martin, Sarah (24 June 2021). "Australia politics live: NSW minister one of 11 new Covid cases; Qld records three new local infections and Victoria one". The Guardian . Retrieved 24 June 2021.
  9. ↑ McHugh, Finn; Piovesan, Anthony (21 June 2021). "Barnaby Joyce returns as Nationals leader after ousting Michael McCormack in spill". News.com.au . Retrieved 27 June 2021.
  10. 1 2 Workman, Alice (22 June 2021). "The king is dead, long live the king; well, not exactly". The Australian . Retrieved 27 June 2021.
  11. 1 2 "Concerns about contentious water ministry punted from Cabinet, and Veterans Minister dumped as royal commission looms". ABC News. 28 June 2021. Retrieved 28 June 2021.
  12. ↑ "Joyce reshuffle rewards backers, dumps mining from cabinet". 27 June 2021.
  13. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Speers, David (24 June 2021). "Barnaby Joyce's second coming has ruffled feathers — and thrown the government into chaos". ABC News . Retrieved 27 June 2021.
  14. 1 2 O'Mallon, Finbar (21 June 2021). "Live: Barnaby Joyce new Nationals leader". Australian Financial Review . Archived from the original on 20 June 2021. Retrieved 27 June 2021.
  15. ↑ Haydar, Nour (22 June 2021). "Barnaby Joyce sworn back in to Nationals leadership by Governor-General David Hurley". ABC News . Retrieved 22 June 2021.
  16. ↑ "Dr David Gillespie backed Barnaby Joyce in Nationals leadership spill". Manning River Times . 22 June 2021. Retrieved 27 June 2021.
  17. ↑ "Barnaby Joyce new leader of Nationals after defeating Michael McCormack in spill". ABC News . 21 June 2021. Archived from the original on 21 June 2021. Retrieved 27 June 2021.
  18. 1 2 3 4 5 Murphy, Jamieson (23 June 2021). "The butterfly effect of Barnaby Joyce's second coming explained". The Courier . Retrieved 27 June 2021.
  19. 1 2 Worthington, Brett (22 June 2021). "Barnaby Joyce's return puts Scott Morrison in an awkward position". ABC News. Retrieved 22 June 2021.
  20. ↑ "Murray-Darling Basin water tensions bubble over as Nationals break from Liberals". ABC News. 23 June 2021.
  21. ↑ Wright, Tony (24 June 2021). "How Barnaby found himself – briefly – up the Darling without a paddle". Sydney Morning Herald.
  22. ↑ "SA Liberals, locals frustrated by National Party bid to change Murray-Darling Basin Plan". ABC News. 24 June 2021.
  23. ↑ "Rural women say 'astounding' return of Barnaby Joyce proves Nationals 'not listening'". The Guardian. 21 June 2021.
  24. ↑ "Barnaby Joyce's return to the Nationals leadership described as 'very disappointing' by senior party member". News.com.au. 21 June 2021.
  25. ↑ "Nationals MPs fear 'vindictive' reshuffle of cabinet posts rewarding Joyce backers". Sydney Morning Herald. 24 June 2021.
  26. ↑ "Nationals reshuffle sees some old hands return to the frontbench under Barnaby Joyce's leadership". ABC News. 27 June 2021.
  27. ↑ "New Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce rewards supporters in cabinet reshuffle". SBS News. 27 June 2021.
  28. ↑ "David Gillespie promoted in Barnaby Joyce's Nationals federal cabinet reshuffle". Gloucester Advocate. 2 July 2021.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.