One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce defended party leader Pauline Hanson's meeting with British far-right activist Tommy Robinson during an interview on ABC's 7.30 program on July 20, 2026, despite repeated interruptions from his barking farm dog off-camera.
Addressing questions from presenter Sarah Ferguson regarding Senator Hanson's recent European trip, Joyce rejected claims that appearing alongside Robinson crossed an acceptable political line.
He attributed the interview to arrangements made by Channel Seven's Spotlight program.
"I don't believe that it was a carte blanche case that One Nation wanted that meeting," Joyce said.
He added that the broadcaster proposed the interaction rather than his party seeking it out directly.
"I think it was basically suggested by [Channel Seven's] Spotlight, agreed to by One Nation," Joyce said.
Ferguson challenged the assertion by noting Channel Seven informed the ABC that the meeting was arranged prior to their involvement.
Joyce maintained he held a different view after reading internal emails.
"I, I think … SIT DOWN! … Sorry, it's a dog," Joyce said, following a brief outburst directed at his dog Stella.
Joyce argued that Robinson's public profile stemmed from wider social issues in the United Kingdom.
"Tommy Robinson would not exist if there was not such a fracture … within English society that has given support to Tommy Robinson," he said.
When questioned on Senator Hanson's criticism of Muslim communities and welfare dependence, Joyce stated that social integration failures lead to cultural divisions that contradict Australian values.
He cited the Bondi incident as an example.
The exchange grew tense when Ferguson pressed Joyce on whether One Nation proposed utilizing the healthcare system to identify individuals overstaying their visas.
"I have to apologize for this dog," Joyce said.
Ferguson encouraged him to continue with his answer regarding visa enforcement policies. "Don't be rude.
Otherwise, this interview will come to a grinding halt, Sarah," Joyce said.
Joyce denied that medical staff would be forced to report patients, though he reiterated that unlawful residents should face deportation.
"Oh no, Sarah that's ridiculous, unless you want to keep illegal immigrants here, then there's no point in calling them illegal …" he said.
He elaborated on how authorities encounter individuals living without valid visas.
"From time to time, they're going to come across all range of things, whether it's health issues, whether it's parking fines, whatever it is.
And when they pop up, they're going to be sent off because otherwise the whole thing's a farce," Joyce said.
Regarding Senator Hanson's travel expenses and funding from mining executive Gina Rinehart, Joyce stated that official parliamentary disclosure requirements would address any financial support received.
As the broadcast concluded, Ferguson said, "Thank you very much indeed for joining us. The dog was no problem."
Joyce responded, "It was for me."
Speaking to 10 News+ the following day, Joyce clarified that his working dog had lost her temper under the deck during the live interview.
Senator Hanson publicly described the incident as a typical moment of live television.
