Politics · Australia · 3 hrs ago
Joyce says Frydenberg comeback could push conservatives toward One Nation
Former Australian treasurer Josh Frydenberg has hinted that he may return to politics.
One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce says a comeback could drive conservative voters away from the Liberal Party and toward One Nation.
Frydenberg has argued that the Liberals should remain a broad party bringing together moderate and conservative views.
Joyce says voters increasingly prefer parties with clearer political positions.
Frydenberg has also said the Liberal Party needs to change and floated raising the goods and services tax to 15 per cent.
Liberal leader Angus Taylor quickly rejected that proposal, and disagreements over the party’s direction are emerging.
A return could bring experience to the Liberals, but it could also fuel leadership speculation and leave Frydenberg facing criticism over his role in the Morrison government.
The sources do not say whether he will return.
One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce said a political comeback by former treasurer Josh Frydenberg could drive conservative voters away from the Liberal Party and toward One Nation.
Joyce argued that voters increasingly favour parties with clear political positions rather than a “broad church” approach.
Frydenberg has hinted at returning to politics and said the Liberal Party needs to change.
He also floated raising the goods and services tax to 15 per cent, an idea Liberal leader Angus Taylor rejected.
Daily Mail commentator Peter van Onselen said Frydenberg could help rebuild the Liberals but could also fuel leadership speculation.
- Who
- One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce and former treasurer Josh Frydenberg.
- What
- Joyce said a Frydenberg comeback could benefit One Nation by drawing conservatives away from the Liberal Party.
- When
- Joyce spoke after watching Frydenberg’s interview on Monday night; the article is dated 13 October 2026.
- Where
- Australia. The interview was on News24.
- Why
- Joyce said political divisions had sharpened and voters increasingly favoured parties with clearer political beliefs.
Barnaby Joyce
Josh Frydenberg
Political direction
Barnaby Joyce
Joyce argued that voters want parties with clear political beliefs.
Josh Frydenberg
Frydenberg said the Liberal Party should remain a “broad church” and said things within the party have to change.
Effect of a comeback
Barnaby Joyce
Joyce said Frydenberg’s return could drive conservatives toward One Nation.
Josh Frydenberg
Frydenberg’s stated position on the effect of a return is Not stated.
Frydenberg told 60 Minutes that things had to change within the Liberal Party and floated raising the GST to 15 per cent.
Joyce watched Frydenberg’s interview with Sharri Markson on News24 and commented on the possibility of a political return.
- Potential comeback
- Josh Frydenberg
- Political party
- One Nation
- GST proposal
- 15 per cent
- Response to GST proposal
- Angus Taylor rejected the idea
- Article date
- 13 October 2026
What people are saying
I hope he comes back
You're either conservative or socialist. That's increasingly the nature of politics.
The Liberals need all the help they can get, so bringing Josh Frydenberg back isn't bad. But he's no messiah, and the idea that he can magically fix their problems is fanciful
things have to change
Sources
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