Former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce will reportedly miss a scheduled meeting of the party’s MPs next week after he was filmed lying on a Canberra street.
The outspoken MP was caught on video lying on a Braddon street while swearing on the phone to wife Vikki Campion following a long parliamentary sitting day.
Mr Joyce is now reportedly skipping a party meeting on Monday where the incident will be discussed, as medical issues emerge as a possible explanation.
Nine papers reported Mr Joyce may have been feeling the effects of mixing medicine with alcohol when he fell off a planter box about 11.30pm on Wednesday.
While the exact circumstances of Mr Joyce’s health situation or current medications are not known, two sources told The Age he was dealing with a medical issue.
The revelation comes as both sides of politics weigh in on Mr Joyce’s behaviour, with party leader David Littleproud stating his actions were “not normal”.
Mr Littleproud told 4BC he was “surprised” by Mr Joyce’s behaviour, but ruled out demoting the twice-serving party leader.
“There’ll be further conversations with Barnaby to make sure we put the environment around him that he needs to make sure whatever challenges he’s got,” he said.
For his part, Liberal leader Petter Dutton refused to comment on whether Mr Joyce’s should remain on the front bench and urged for a “better understanding”.
Speaking on Sky, the opposition leader was also critical of the passer-by who filmed the incident, stating it was “pretty rough” they didn’t instead try and help him.
Also speaking to Sky, Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the situation was a matter for the opposition to deal with and called for Mr Joyce explain his behaviour to the public.
“I know that people will have their fun with it, but from a personal point of view – I don’t like to see anyone in that state. I find it a little disturbing,” he said.
“I’m not going to take shots at Barnaby about it. He needs to explain it.”
The issue has also highlighted tensions within the Nationals party, including over a possible reshuffle that would move Mr Joyce to the backbench.