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.
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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.
