The right-wing One Nation party has secured its first-ever seat in Australia's lower house of parliament following a by-election in Farrer. This marks a significant moment for the populist party, testing its broader appeal beyond previous state-level successes. The result signals a potential shift in the political landscape, with substantial losses for traditional conservative parties in the electorate.
One Nation's candidate, David Farley, secured over 42 per cent of the primary vote, according to initial tallies. Preferences from Coalition voters are expected to further solidify his win. This performance follows a strong showing in the March South Australian state election, where One Nation recorded the second-highest vote count among all parties.
The by-election also served as an early gauge for the new leadership of the Liberal and National parties. Angus Taylor and Matt Canavan, who recently took the helm of their respective parties, faced tests of their own electoral standing.
Read More: MAGA Inc. Has $300M, But How Will It Be Used?
Farrer Electorate Dynamics
The contest in Farrer saw One Nation's David Farley pitted against independent candidate Michelle Milthorpe. While lead-up polls suggested a close race, analysis indicated that the flow of preferences, particularly from disaffected Coalition voters, would likely benefit the One Nation candidate. Early returns showed a primary vote swing against the Liberals exceeding 30 per cent.
Party Reactions and Future Implications
Pauline Hanson, leader of One Nation, expressed jubilation, suggesting the party is now aiming to capture additional seats. Her remarks, including a declaration that "One Nation has reached the end of its beginning," indicate an assertive forward-looking strategy. Notably, the party opted to restrict access to its election night event for certain media outlets, including The Guardian.
Read More: SMH Subscribers Get New Mini Crossword on May 10
Conversely, the outcome has prompted discussions within the Coalition. Bridget McKenzie, Nationals Senate Leader, has suggested the possibility of Coalition parties collaborating with One Nation to form a government in the future. This sentiment was echoed by a Coalition source, who noted that the combined vote for the Liberal and National parties was approximately 20 per cent.
Background: One Nation's Trajectory
One Nation's origins trace back to the late 1990s when Pauline Hanson first held a parliamentary seat as an independent before losing re-election. The party's recent electoral performances, including this historic lower-house win, indicate a resurgence. Prior to this federal by-election, analysis had pointed to growing support for One Nation, with some projections showing a notable increase since the 2025 federal election. This rise has been contextualized within a broader trend of anti-immigration sentiment concentrated on the political right. The success in Farrer will be watched closely for its implications on future political strategies and the ongoing recalibration of the Australian right.
Read More: Plaid Cymru Leads Wales After 100 Years of Labour Rule
