A prickly exchange on live television has put former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce back in the spotlight — not for his politics, but for a sudden shout at a dog that repeatedly disrupted his interview.
Mr Joyce, described as a top politician from Australia’s far-right One Nation party, was speaking one-on-one with national broadcaster ABC last night when he abruptly broke off to bark an order: “sit down!”
“Sorry, it’s the dog,” he told the journalist, attempting to resume the discussion.
The animal cut in again moments later, prompting another apology from Mr Joyce. “I do apologise for this dog, it’s just started to bail up,” he said as the interruption continued.
ABC journalist Sarah Ferguson, who was questioning Mr Joyce about One Nation leader Pauline Hanson’s recent meeting with far-right British figurehead Tommy Robinson, tried to steer the conversation back on track.
“Don’t worry about the dog, just answer the question,” Ms Ferguson said.
Mr Joyce bristled at that remark, firing back: “Don’t be rude. Otherwise, this interview will come to a grinding halt, Sarah.”
The flare-up is not Mr Joyce’s first headline involving a pet. The cattle-farming politician previously drew attention after he once threatened to kill Johnny Depp’s dogs.
His on-air outburst quickly drew criticism around Australia. Victoria state politician Georgie Purcell of the Animal Justice Party wrote on social media: “If you think this is a normal way to speak to your dog, sit down!”
When asked about the backlash, Mr Joyce told the Sydney Morning Herald it highlighted what he sees as a cultural split between urban and regional Australia.
“People in the regions laugh about it,” he said.
“People in the inner city think it’s a war crime.”
The incident comes as One Nation, long a fringe party led by provocateur Ms Hanson, has surged in support. Opinion polls show it has become Australia’s most popular party in recent months.
Ms Hanson has defended her decision to appear on a podcast with Mr Robinson — a former football hooligan turned anti-Islam activist whose profile has risen sharply in recent years.
Her appearance sparked outrage in Australia after she told Mr Robinson that the end of the “White Australia” policy in the 1970s — a system that restricted non-white immigration — was partly responsible for the country’s current ills.
Ms Hanson later denied she was calling for a return to that policy.
