Barnaby Joyce mourns the loss of his father Jim Joyce, who has died aged 98.
The National MP’s office confirmed he would be taking leave of parliament for at least the rest of the week following the death of his father on Tuesday night.
Mr Joyce is believed to have rushed home to the family farm in his New England South Wales constituency to say goodbye.
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“Barnaby Joyce is grieving the loss of his father Jim Joyce, 98, who sadly passed away last night,” a Joyce spokesman said in a statement.
“Thank you for the many kind wishes and thoughts being extended at this difficult time.”
Joyce’s colleague Michael McCormack hit back at trolls, including those who claimed he was “probably half mad” following his absence when parliament resumed on Tuesday.
“To all those who tweeted nasty things about why Barnaby Joyce was not present in Parliament for the opening day today, goodbye,” he wrote on Tuesday.
“His elderly father Jim is seriously ill and Barnaby is where he should be, at his bedside.
“Thoughts go out to the family at this difficult time.”
Jim Joyce was the grandfather of Mr Joyce’s four daughters he shares with his ex-wife Natalie and two sons with his former employee and current partner Vikki Campion.
The Nationals MP was the subject of controversy in 2018 after it was revealed he held dual citizenship as his father was born in New Zealand.
Mr Joyce, who was born in Australia, said he had “no reason to believe that I was a citizen of any country other than Australia”.