{
  "id": 4236537,
  "title": "One Nation holds narrow lead over Labor in by-election",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/29/one-nation-holds-narrow-lead-over-labor-in-by-election",
  "topic": null,
  "section": null,
  "published": "2026-08-29T13:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Discovered",
    "slug": "discovered",
    "url": "https://illawarramercury.com.au/story/9339668/one-nation-holds-narrow-lead-over-labor-in-by-election"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "One Nation narrowly led Labor after preference flows in an outer-suburban by-election in Western Australia's Secret Harbour. The party secured just over 22% of votes counted, with Pauline Hanson's party ahead of Labor's Georgia Tree. Luke Herdegen, the One Nation candidate, led by a margin of 1.45%. Voters in the historically safe Labor seat chose their ballots on Saturday, following the mid-term retirement of senior minister Paul Papalia. Herdegen reported a strong campaign vibe, buoyed by the majority of polling booth orange across the beachside electorate south of Perth. The swing appears to be on, but the extent of it still remains uncertain. WA Premier Roger Cook acknowledged the challenge in holding the outer-suburban electorate, while conceding it would be a battle. Local voters in Secret Harbour cited cost-of-living pressures, housing, and a perceived lack of community amenities as their primary concerns. One Nation's Luke Pors expressed his trust in the party, praising Herdegen's campaign. Retirees Ann and Les Scard also voted One Nation, citing a strong campaign by Herdegen and dismissing Liberal and Labor's attempts to discredit him. Despite the close race, Herdegen believes people are desperate for change, mentioning the struggles with cost of living and housing issues. On the other hand, retired truck driver Dean Maxwell voted Labor, expressing dissatisfaction with all the politicians, particularly Pauline Hanson, whom he believes is in Gina Rinehart's pocket. Labor candidate Georgia Tree admitted that protest votes could hurt her prospects, having fought until the last polls closed. The result of One Nation's performance in the tradie-haven will be of interest to other regions, such as Victoria, which is set to hold a state election in November.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}