A talkback caller to the ABC's Radio National station who discussed class systems in Australia, and described himself as "Barnaby in New South Wales", has turned out to be Federal Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce.

The presenter was debating with listeners about whether Australia has a structured class system and what constituted a "bogan" when 'Barnaby' rang in to make a contribution.

He argued that class structure does not exist in Australia and people who were classified as "bogans" or "middle class" were actually making consumer choices.

"If people honestly believed there was a class system [in Australia] then it would be clearly identifiable as you walk down the street," 'Barnaby' said.

"And I think even the discussion today between, these pejorative or an accolade - bogan and what would otherwise be middle class - and I think in many instances that's just a consumer choice.

"We can have people who are obviously vastly wealthier who are so-called bogans than other people in the middle class."

'Barnaby' went on to argue that even the act of listening to Radio National could be considered "elitist" or a "statement of class" by some in the community.

"Don't assume anything about the Life Matters' audience," joked presenter Natasha Mitchell.

"I would presume that on many worksites at the moment that people with tool-bags are probably unlikely to be listening to this program, even though it's a great program," 'Barnaby' replied.

Senator Joyce later confirmed to the ABC that he was the caller.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-03-14/barnaby-on-bogans/5321458