One Nation surge threatens Nationals' hold on regional Victorian seats

Victorian Nationals leader Danny O’Brien recounts a recent encounter with a farmer who expressed support for One Nation, underscoring the party’s growing appeal in regional Victoria. The Nationals currently occupy nine seats in the state lower house, their strongest showing since 1943, and plan to defend those seats while contesting Labor-held Bendigo East, Bendigo West and Ripon. However, polls show One Nation polling at about 20% statewide, with higher numbers in the countryside, and suggest the Nationals could lose three or more seats.

Federally, One Nation has taken a lower-house seat from the Coalition and its primary vote has risen to 25%, surpassing the Liberal-National Coalition’s historic low. Voters cite declining local industries, rising living costs and contentious renewable energy projects as reasons for turning to One Nation, while Nationals officials argue they offer change without chaos. The party hopes to consolidate the conservative vote to prevent a Labor victory in the November election.