Barnaby Joyce security stop driver from confronting deputy PM on New England Highway

Barnaby Joyce’s security fended off an abusive driver after he tried to confront the deputy prime minister on a busy highway.

Mr Joyce was driving in a car with staff along the New England Highway and headed for his electorate office in Armidale, in NSW’s Northern Tablelands, on Friday. 

The deputy prime minister was being tailed by a security car carrying three Australian Federal Police officers.

Mr Joyce pulled his car over to the side of the road to take a call on his phone when a passing SUV made a U-turn and headed for Mr Joyce’s vehicle.

An AFP officer jumped out of the security car and ran in front of the white SUV, stopping the vehicle 30 metres from Mr Joyce.

The ensuing confrontation was captured on mobile phone footage from a person in Mr Joyce’s group.

The driver of the SUV is seen stepping out of the car before launching into a verbal tirade at the AFP officer blocking his path.

‘Get out of the f***in’ way you dog,’ he yells. ‘Get the f*** out of my face you maggot c***.’ 

A passenger, believed to be his daughter, tries to take the driver back into the SUV before he hurls more abuse at the unmoving officer.

‘C’mon, c’mon on ya c***. You piss weak c***,’ he yells.

Mr Joyce praised the actions of the quick thinking security staff – labelling the outburst as ‘sad’ and ‘unsavoury’

The driver points his finger in the face of the AFP officer who remains silent as he stares him down. 

The officer calmly watches the driver return to his SUV following the outburst. 

The incident was referred to NSW Police, but no charges have been laid.

Mr Joyce praised the actions of the quick thinking security staff.

‘This was a sad and unsavoury incident, which in no way reflects how the majority of Australians participate in our democracy,’ he said.

‘I thank my protective ­detail for their bravery in keeping myself and my staff safe. This will be dealt with through the appropriate ­processes.’