Full Story ‘More Australian babies!’ where will Matt Canavan take the Nationals now? – podcast
Mar 11, 2026
Dan Jervis-Bardy, chief political correspondent with deep federal politics experience, breaks down Matt Canavan's surprise win and what it means for the Nationals. Short takes cover the tight party-room ballot, Canavan's outspoken style, his tactic to outflank One Nation, tensions with the Liberals over policy like net zero, and the Farrer by-election as an early test.
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Canavan's Unfiltered Populist Persona
- Matt Canavan presents himself as an unfiltered, big‑personality leader who promises 'more of everything' including babies and fossil fuel barbecues.
- Dan Jervis‑Bardy says Canavan speaks bluntly across media and resists scripted talking points, signalling a deliberately bold public style.
Nationals Position One Nation As Primary Rival
- The Nationals now treat One Nation as their primary opponent and will try to outflank it while claiming they can actually deliver projects.
- Jervis‑Bardy notes Canavan echoes One Nation policy language but emphasises the Nationals' governing record as the key difference.
Policy Shift Helped Create One Nation Opportunity
- The Nationals' push on policies like dumping net zero coincided with the coalition's vote collapse and opened space for One Nation.
- This creates an 'irreconcilable tension' between defending coalition identity and remaining electable to broader voters.