Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce has discussed climate change, God and how he's "sick of the government" in a Christmas message that some social media users have labelled as "truly embarrassing".
On Tuesday, the former Nationals leader shared his Christmas video beside a herd of cattle.
"You probably wonder what politicians do on Christmas Eve, well when it's drought, [we] feed cattle," he says.
"Now you don't have to convince me that the climate's not changing. It is changing. And my problem's always been with you believing a new tax is going to change it back."
Getting visibly angry he says, "look I just don't want the government any more in my life, I'm sick of the government being in my life."
I'm sick of the government being in my life Barnaby Joyce
"And the other thing I think that we've got to acknowledge is that there's a higher authority that's beyond our comprehension, right up there in the sky" he says, pointing the camera to the clouds.
"Unless we understand that's got to be respected, then we're just fools. We're going to get nailed."
The video has received a mixed response. Source: Twitter
The video has caused a stir on social media with many expressing confusion or ridicule.
Other MPs released far more measured Christmas messages on Tuesday.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison praised those who served their communities in a year of natural disasters.
"This spirit is what makes Australians the amazing country it is, and in this Christmas time we give thanks despite these terrible challenges for the wonderful country that we've been blessed to live in," he said.
While Labor leader Anthony Albanese also used his Christmas message to highlight the resilience of Australians in the face of difficulties.
"In 2019, we think particularly of those people in the community who have been fighting bushfires. We think of those empty seats at tables where people have lost loved ones," he said.
