‘Sit down!’: Australian MP yells at dog then snaps at presenter in live interview

Australian MP Barnaby Joyce sparked controversy during a live interview on Monday night when he yelled at his dog and then snapped at the presenter. The incident occurred during an appearance on the ABC's 7.30 program, where Joyce was defending his party leader, Pauline Hanson, following her recent European trip that drew criticism for its controversial remarks and social interactions. Joyce, a prominent member of the far-right One Nation party, was appearing from his home in New South Wales. The interview focused on Hanson’s activities abroad, including her time in Italy with mining magnate Gina Rinehart and her meeting with far-right agitator Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, known as Tommy Robinson. However, the discussion quickly turned chaotic when Joyce’s dog, Stella, a staffy-border collie cross, became a focal point. Midway through the interview, host Sarah Ferguson questioned Joyce about his decision to join One Nation, suggesting it was dragging him further into a space of intolerance and racial discrimination. As Ferguson pressed him on whether he was comfortable with where Hanson was leading the party, Joyce abruptly interrupted, shouting, “Sit down!” Before responding, he explained, “It’s the dog.” He then proceeded to answer without directly addressing the question, instead highlighting One Nation’s rising popularity. Ferguson calmly reminded Joyce that he should focus on answering the question rather than worrying about the dog. Joyce retorted, “Don’t be rude. Otherwise, this interview will come to a grinding halt.” The exchange left the audience and viewers unsettled, capturing the volatile nature of the political discourse surrounding One Nation. Stella, the dog in question, reportedly barked incessantly under the deck where Joyce was standing during the interview. According to Joyce, the dog’s behavior disrupted his ability to concentrate. Despite the interruption, the interview continued, though the tension remained palpable throughout. One Nation, led by Pauline Hanson, currently holds around 30% of the primary vote, placing it on par with the center-left Labor Party, which governs Australia. Joyce, who has served as an MP since 2013 and previously held a Senate seat for Queensland, is well-known for his tendency to draw public attention, often through unorthodox or provocative actions. His history of making headlines includes a 2015 incident where he was captured on camera lying face-up on the pavement in Canberra, engaged in a phone conversation while using profanity. In 2019, he posted a video on X, formerly Twitter, titled “Merry Christmas,” in which he expressed frustration with government interference and discussed climate change. His actions have consistently placed him in the spotlight, sometimes for controversial reasons. Another notable episode involving Joyce occurred in 2015 when he was serving as agriculture minister. At the time, he arranged for Hollywood actor Johnny Depp and his wife, Amber Heard, to film apologies for attempting to import their dogs, Pistol and Boo, into Australia despite strict biosecurity regulations. This incident highlighted Joyce’s willingness to engage in unconventional publicity stunts. As the fallout from Monday’s interview continues, observers are watching how the situation develops within One Nation and how it might impact the party’s public image. With Joyce already a familiar figure in Australian politics, his actions continue to shape the narrative around the party’s increasingly polarizing stance.