The embattled Barnaby Joyce has said a “big personal thank you” to the people of New England for their support.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Mr Joyce admitted it’s been a tough few days, but he’s been buoyed by the support of his local electorate.
The Deputy Prime Minister’s shock New Zealand dual citizenship – dubbed Kiwi-gate – has been at the forefront of the news cycle since Monday. The dual citizenship, which has since been renounced, has put his political future in danger.
“It’s an auspicious day, unfortunately, when you see yourself on the front page of every paper in the nation,” Mr Joyce said.
“I just want to say to the people of New England, thank you so much for your support.
“I’ve been overwhelmed and completely humbled by people coming into the office, ringing up, contacting me.
“I just want to say a big personal thank you. I’m terribly humbled by the support I’ve been receiving.”
In a video posted on social media, Mr Joyce reiterated that issue will go to the High Court, where the final verdict will be made before December.
“What I can say is that the advice we’ve received from the independent statutory solicitor, the Solicitor General, is that we have a very firm case.
“And by reason of that, I'll continue on my work, continuing working as hard as I can for you.
“That’s what you pay me to do and I will make sure that we get issues done. I’ll continue working for you as hard as I possibly can.”
On Tuesday afternoon, shortly before question time, the New England MP told parliament he had “verbal confirmation” from New Zealand that his New Zealand citizenship had been successfully renounced. He said he expected written confirmation to arrive shortly.
Labor had earlier called on Mr Joyce to stand aside as Deputy Prime Minister while the matter of his dual New Zealand citizenship was being considered by the High Court, citing Senator Matt Canavan’s case, who stood down from the cabinet when he discovered he might have Italian citizenship.
Anne Twomey, from the University of Sydney, believed Mr Joyce’s case resembled that of Senator Canavan, who was given Italian citizenship by descent after his mother made an application on his behalf.
More than 1000 people have voted in Fairfax Media poll that asked “What should Barnaby Joyce do?”.
As of Wednesday morning, 67.62 per cent answered “Step down, rules are rules”, while 32.38 per cent said “Stay on, he’s as Aussie as a meat pie”.