MP George Christensen apologises to Barnaby Joyce, says he is 'loyal to the National Party'

North Queensland MP George Christensen has apologised to Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce for threatening to quit. Christensen, who threatened to resign from the government over the Queensland sugar dispute, reaffirmed his stance to not ditch the Coalition.

In the midst of the issue is a dispute between Wilmar and Queensland Sugar Limited that could lead to numerous job losses in the sugarcane industry. Joyce had approached Christensen to convince the latter not to step down from the party. The deputy PM said Christensen would be able to contribute more as an MP than being independent.

“Last Monday, I did have thoughts of leaving the Coalition, staying in the National Party, but leaving the Coalition,” Christensen said. “Maybe I haven’t done it in a way that’s been 100 per cent helpful, but it has elevated the issue.”

On Sunday, several Burdekin cane-growers involved in a fight with Wilmar came together in Ayr. The mass of people called out for the government to resolve the issue.

“I’m loyal to Barnaby Joyce, I’m loyal to the National Party, loyal to the LNP,” Christensen said, speaking with Nine Network. “I said that I am a member of the National Party and I want to remain a member of the National Party.”

State LNP Leader Tim Nicholls urged Wilmar and Queensland Sugar Limited on Sunday to settle the matter before bringing amendments in State Parliament to force a resolution. He expressed optimism about winning the support of the crossbench to get the amendments passed.

Minister for Northern Australia Matt Canavan said plans to construct new mills were welcome. These mills would introduce more competition in the sugar industry.

Joyce expressed confidence about sugar farmers getting what they wanted. “The smartest thing for Wilmar is to resolve this ASAP,” Joyce said.

According to the Daily Telegraph, Christensen had threatened to “go rogue” twice in a bid to get government support for local sugar owners. “If it takes ruffling a few feathers here, crossing the floor or going rogue to get an outcome, then you just have to do it,” he was quoted as saying on Friday.

On Sunday, Liberal backbencher Scott Buchholz emphasised Christensen was not backing out from the Coalition. “As a former chief government whip, and George is the whip of the National Party in Canberra, we speak a lot. George is not leaving the National Party,” Buchholz said.