Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party is intensifying its campaign ahead of the Victorian state election in November, buoyed by recent electoral successes and growing voter support. The party has gained renewed confidence following a significant victory in Western Australia, where One Nation candidate Luke Herdegen secured 57 percent of the vote in the Secret Harbour by-election, marking the party’s first lower house seat in the state.
Hanson, who toured Victoria this week, emphasized that the Western Australian win signaled a shift in public sentiment. “People are turning to One Nation hoping. It’s all about hope. They want hope,” she said, asserting that these results had given Australians “a licence to vote” for her party. Despite a disappointing result in the Nepean by-election earlier this year, Hanson expressed optimism that the changing political landscape would translate to improved outcomes in Victoria, though she acknowledged the final results would depend on election day.
The Victorian campaign has featured events such as a barbecue for One Nation supporters at the party’s headquarters in Pakenham, with state leader Warren Pickering, who is seeking election as a local MP, also participating. During the event, protestors disrupted proceedings, and Hanson maintained her party’s ongoing refusal to engage with the national broadcaster ABC, citing concerns over biased reporting.
The rise of One Nation has drawn strong reactions from established political figures. Premier Ben Carroll warned that the party’s growing influence, particularly in coalition with the Liberal Party, could be detrimental to Victoria’s future. He criticized their policies as regressive, asserting that voters should be concerned about the potential impact on the state’s economy and public services. In response, Warren Pickering dismissed the criticism as unfounded, denying that there would be any combined budget with the Liberals if elected and affirming One Nation’s intention to govern independently.
National political leaders have also weighed in on the party’s ascendancy. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has condemned One Nation’s agenda, labeling it as “dangerous, divisive and downright dishonest” and urging voters to oppose its growth. This marks a shift from earlier attempts to downplay the party’s threat, reflecting the increased visibility and influence of One Nation across multiple states.
Political commentators have noted parallels between One Nation’s rise and past populist movements, emphasizing how initial skepticism from experts has gradually given way to recognition of the party’s electoral viability. The pathway from being regarded as a fringe force to securing significant wins suggests that One Nation’s influence on Australian politics may be expanding.
Looking ahead, Hanson plans to continue her campaign in Victoria with policy announcements, including an energy initiative set for the Latrobe Valley. Speculation also surrounds potential meetings with major donors as the party seeks to capitalize on its momentum.
Current polls, however, indicate that while One Nation enjoys heightened visibility, its primary vote in Victoria has yet to show consistent growth since Ben Carroll became Premier. The upcoming election will be a key test of whether the party can convert recent successes elsewhere into substantial gains in Victoria’s political landscape.