Xenophon, Joyce in early Senate talks
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SA's independent Senator-elect Nick Xenophon and National Party Senator Barnaby Joyce have discussed working together in the Senate. (ABC News)
South Australia's independent senator-elect Nick Xenophon and Queensland National Party Senator Barnaby Joyce have discussed working closely together in the upper house of Federal Parliament.
Mr Xenophon could play a pivotal role when he begins his term in the Senate next July.
Senator Joyce is having talks with Mr Xenophon in Adelaide today.
Mr Xenophon says he has similar views to Senator Joyce on issues including the protection of small business.
"I'd like to think that when it comes to issues that are very much in the national interest in terms of competition law, giving small businesses a fighting chance against larger entities, then I think Barnaby Joyce and I will have a lot in common," he said.
Senator Joyce says he wanted to meet Mr Xenophon before beginning his term in the Senate.
"Nick's about to kick off in the Senate and you know it would be foolish for me not to come down and talk to someone who's obviously got a community of interests on so many issues ... before we arrive in Canberra, I think would be remiss, remiss on my part," he said.
