Former National party leader posts video feeding his cattle, as he argues that ‘new taxes’ won’t fix climate change

This article is more than 8 months old

This article is more than 8 months old

Barnaby Joyce says he is “sick of the government being in my life” as he urged Australians to respect God, otherwise “we’re going to get nailed”.

In a short video posted on social media late on Christmas Eve, the former National party leader is seen feeding cattle and reflecting on climate change, declaring that “new taxes” are not the way to address it.

“You’ve got to wonder what politicians do on Christmas Eve, well, when it’s drought, feed cattle,” Joyce says.

Barnaby Joyce (@Barnaby_Joyce) Merry Christmas pic.twitter.com/QGYPv51pTN

“Now you don’t have to convince me the climate is not changing, it is changing,” he says.

“My problem has always been whether you believe new taxes are going to change it back.

“I just don’t want the government any more in my life, I am sick of the government being in my life.”

With the camera pointing to the sky, the former deputy prime minister urges Australians to respect God.

“There’s a higher authority that’s beyond our comprehension – right up there in the sky. And unless we understand that that’s got to be respected, then we’re just fools. We’re going to get nailed.”

Social media users commenting on the post were quick to point out that Joyce was a member of the government and that he was free to resign if he wanted it out of his life.