Pauline’s prediction: Liberals could rule ... if we prop them up

By the Editorial Team · Monday, October 5, 2026

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson predicted her party’s support could be crucial in enabling a Liberal government in Victoria after the November state election, signaling a potential shift in the state's political power balance. This development highlights growing dissatisfaction with Labor, fueled by controversies and public concerns over policies and infrastructure, which may lead to increased influence for smaller parties in Victorian politics.

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has forecast that her party’s support could prove decisive in delivering a Liberal government in Victoria following the state election in November. Speaking at a campaign event in Corio, a traditional Labor stronghold, Hanson suggested that One Nation’s presence in the Victorian parliament could significantly alter the political landscape both at the state and federal levels.

On Sunday, Hanson voiced strong criticisms of the current Labor leadership, accusing former Premier Daniel Andrews, current Premier Jacinta Allan, and Treasurer Ben Carroll of policies that, in her view, have harmed Victorian families and businesses. At a rally held the previous day at Crown Casino, supporters chanted calls to “lock up” Andrews and Allan, echoing slogans reminiscent of Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign. Hanson attributed these frustrations to pandemic-related lockdowns and policy decisions, framing them as reasons for Labor’s potential downfall in the state.

Opposition figures have also weighed in on related controversies involving Labor, particularly concerning allegations of financial misuse linked to the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) on Victorian infrastructure projects. Tim Wilson, the opposition Treasury spokesman, emphasized the importance of due process and insisted that no individual should be above the law, calling for a royal commission to investigate the matter thoroughly.

Hanson said the Liberal Party, led by Opposition Leader Jess Wilson, will likely require One Nation’s backing to form a government at Spring Street, Victoria’s parliamentary precinct. She expressed confidence that Labor’s grip on the state was weakening and pointed to recent electoral successes by One Nation in South Australia and Western Australia as indicators of the party’s growing influence.

In Corio, Hanson underscored One Nation’s intent to hold any future government accountable, stating the party’s role would be to ensure effective governance rather than facilitate easy passage of legislation. At the same event, she participated in a go-kart ride with Victorian One Nation leader Warren Pickering, who described their campaign as a necessary alternative to the major parties amid what he said were increasingly competitive three-way contests across the state.

The campaign drew notable support from members of Melbourne’s Indian community. Several supporters cited concerns about housing affordability, government fiscal responsibility, energy policy, and community safety as motivating their shift away from Labor. Supporters such as Radhika Agarwal emphasized the need for governments to be accountable for sustainable policy outcomes, while others endorsed One Nation’s “Australia first” stance.

Separately, thousands of motorbike riders gathered in front of Parliament House in Melbourne to protest conditions of Victorian roads. The demonstration, attended by opposition leader Jess Wilson, was prompted by the death of 71-year-old Peter Mason, who died after hitting a pothole on the Western Freeway in Trawalla last month. Protesters called for urgent improvements to infrastructure safety, reflecting wider public dissatisfaction with road maintenance in the state.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.