Barnaby Joyce defends outburst at dog during ABC interview

Barnaby Joyce rejected criticism after shouting at his dog during a live ABC interview. The outburst occurred while he appeared on the ABC program 7.30 with host Sarah Ferguson. Joyce stated the dog, a Staffy-Border Collie cross named Stella, is young and lives on a farm. He described the reaction as reflecting a divide between regional and inner-city attitudes.

The appearance followed comments by One Nation leader Pauline Hanson on a podcast. Hanson had discussed Australian immigration policy and the end of the White Australia policy under the Whitlam government. Joyce said the dog interrupted from under the deck during the interview. He added that the dog had been affectionate earlier that morning.

Hanson, speaking in Perth, said she found the moment amusing.

She stated it showed the party members were human. Hanson also addressed questions about a recent trip to Europe with Gina Rinehart. She said the trip cost taxpayers nothing and confirmed she had declared a plane donated by Rinehart to the party.