Leaked texts from a Nationals group chat left egg on the face of one MP – who proceeded to angrily confront Barnaby Joyce in parliament.
Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce was confronted on the floor of parliament by a “furious” Michael McCormack on Tuesday after his private WhatsApp group messages were leaked to the media.
Witnesses have confirmed that the conversation involved Mr McCormack angrily confronting the man who replaced him in June and demanding action over the leaks.
Earlier, today, news.com.au obtained leaked text messages in a private WhatsApp group of Nationals MPs, where Mr McCormack clashed with Queensland Senator Matt Canavan.
Mr McCormack blew up about a new video that features a Nationals MP in the role of The Terminator shooting a cop, describing it as “beyond the pale”.
But rebel Nationals MPs claimed the egg was all over the former leader’s face – because he didn’t realise the cop is “the bad guy” in the clip.
The bizarre video posted by rogue MP George Christensen promotes “rebel MPs” including Queenslander Matt Canavan who still oppose the Prime Minister’s net zero plan.
In the clip, Senator Canavan’s face is superimposed on the face of the Terminator hero.
But the scene featuring him shoot a police officer enraged the former Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack, who promptly jumped onto the Nationals group WhatsApp to condemn the video.
“George Christensen’s Facebook video today depicting Matt Canavan brandishing a shotgun and shooting people as a way of dealing with net zero decision is beyond the pale,” Mr McCormack wrote.
“One of the people shot is a uniformed police officer. As the father of a police officer, I find this abhorrent. This is not the way we should be debating climate change policy.
“I appreciate it is the Terminator and the uniformed officer in the movie is not the good guy, but we have to be better than this, surely … I’ve spoken to George and let him know how I feel.”
In a response in the group chat, the former leader was told he needed to brush up on the Terminator oeuvre.
“As you say, the ‘cop’ is actually a shapeshifting, T-1000 Terminator model sent from the future back in time to kill John Connor. He deserved to get smoked for the good of humanity,” the reply said.
The video in question was posted on George Christensen’s Facebook page as he vowed to openly campaign against the “job-destroying” net zero target after Barnaby Joyce reluctantly agreed to sign on to the plan.
“Regardless of what other MPs and Senators support, I will be maintaining my strong opposition to a job-destroying net zero target,’’ Mr Christensen posted on Facebook.
The group of rebel MPs now speaking out against the net zero target include a tight group of climate change sceptics that propelled Mr Joyce back into the leadership in June.
That has raised speculation they are acting as a proxy group for the National leader, who told the party room meeting that he didn’t think net zero was a good idea but he accepted the majority position.
When Mr Joyce was returned to the leadership with the spill motion to dump Michael McCormack in June, it was moved by Queensland Senator Matt Canavan.
Senator Canavan plays the starring role in the Terminator video.
“This is pretty much Senator Matthew Canavan dealing with the disastrous net zero push today,’’ Mr Christensen said.
On Telegram, the Queensland MP is also urging constituents to sign an online petition in open defiance of Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s policy.
“Regardless of what other MPs and senators support, I will be maintaining my strong opposition to the job-destroying net zero target,” he said.
The post is accompanied by an image of a sign that says “FACTORY CLOSURE” and a headline that states “this is what net zero will deliver for regional Australia.”
Former prime minister Kevin Rudd has accused the Nationals of accepting “30 pieces of silver” – the price Judas Iscariot accepted to betray Jesus — over the net zero deal.
“This is a political charade. The Nationals will accept their 30 pieces of silver from Morrison this week,’’ Mr Rudd said.
“They are a bunch of political opportunists ready to be bought at any price. The real debate is 2030 targets. Otherwise 2050 carbon neutral is bullsh*t.”
In a statement on Monday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison confirmed Resources Minister Keith Pitt – another net-zero sceptic – would be returning to cabinet as part of the new deal with the Nationals.
“Minister Pitt is a powerful voice for the resources sector and ensuring that we build upon Australia’s strength in traditional exports, while harnessing opportunities in the new energy economy and critical minerals,” he said.
“Only the Coalition can be trusted to grow our economy, maintain affordable and reliable energy prices, protect our resource industries and manufacturing base that supports rural and regional communities, and take practical and responsible action.”
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