The man known worldwide for threatening the lives of Johnny Depp's dogs is promising more unscripted moments as the election campaign officially gets underway.
Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce arrived at Parliament House in Canberra on Sunday, suit in hand and ready to make his campaign pitch.
The Liberal-National coalition had proven it was delivering for rural and regional Australia and would continue to walk humbly with the people, he said.
"We are not turning to some peculiar creature that's completely scripted," he told reporters.
"They want us to be real people fighting for their real issues."
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The deputy prime minister is preparing to head out on the "wombat trail" - the nickname given to the Nationals' election campaign which runs parallel to that of the Liberals.
He said it was important to be "easygoing" on the campaign, but it also had a serious side as the major parties put forward their economic plans.
"It's serious business and we have to try and pick a team to run the country," he said.
"We have the management capacity and we wish to continue on with this job because we think it's the best place for Australia to be."
He faces a strong challenge from independent Tony Windsor, who retired at the 2013 election but is recontesting in the wake of a local battle between a coal mine development and farmers.
"I'm confident but not cocky. I strongly believe my best days are in front of me."
