Grattan on Friday: why a byelection in Western Australia has turned into a national test for One Nation
A state-level byelection is rarely of interest to anyone outside the electorate in question. But the poll in Secret Harbour will test Pauline Hanson’s party.
The byelection in Western Australia's Secret Harbour has become a national test for One Nation. Labor, Liberal, and One Nation strategists are closely monitoring the outcome of the August 29 election. Early voting began on Monday, and an exit poll showed that half of the 120 voters indicated they would cast their first preference for One Nation. This is a significant result, especially considering that the seat has historically been held by the Labor Party.
For One Nation, victory in Secret Harbour would be a strong indication of support for their attempts to challenge Liberal frontbencher Andrew Hastie in the 2028 election. The party's influence in Western Australia is also evident in Pauline Hanson's close relationship with state treasurer Gina Rinehart and her endorsement of Hastie's political opponents, including former Victoria Cross recipient Ben Roberts-Smith.
Hastie has faced pressure from One Nation, particularly due to his testimony in Roberts-Smith's defamation case. Meanwhile, One Nation's campaign director, James Ashby, has been seen in the region with an advertising budget and a strategy in place for the upcoming Victorian election. However, One Nation's success in this election could have broader implications for the Australian political landscape, particularly in relation to the migration policy debate.
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
