Australian One Nation MP Calls for Expelling Foreign Residents, Then Backtracks After Party Phone Call

(Sydney, 5th, Combined Foreign News) Barnaby Joyce, a member of parliament for Australia's far-right One Nation party, said in a television interview that if One Nation were in government, it would forcibly evict foreign permanent residents from their homes. However, he immediately changed his statement after receiving a phone call from a party colleague.

One Nation, long considered a fringe group, saw its popularity soar in a poll last week, becoming the most popular political party in Australia. The party is currently led by firebrand Pauline Hanson.

In an interview with Sky News Australia last night, Joyce stated that if One Nation were in power, foreign permanent residents would be required to sell their properties, or the state would confiscate them.

Joyce also warned foreign permanent residents who own property, saying, "If you are loyal to this country (Australia), your problem will be solved."

However, according to reports, Joyce backtracked after receiving a phone call from a party colleague.

He told Sky News, "Upon further understanding and discussion... we are not going to kick permanent residents out of their homes."

According to AFP, Joyce, a former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, is known for his bold statements. In the past, he threatened to kill American actor Johnny Depp's dog and was once photographed passed out drunk on a sidewalk, which led him to quit drinking.

It has long been believed that Australia's voting system prevents the rise of populist parties. However, the rise of One Nation, which advocates for cutting immigration and opposes radical Islam, has shaken this view.

Australia's Economics Minister said this week that the public's "reasonable" concerns about housing and the cost of living are the main reasons for One Nation's rising popularity. (Editor: Ji Jinling) 1150605