Eine echte Auswaschung von Spendern: One Nation stiehlt einen Marsch auf die blaue Blutbasis der Liberalen Partei

One Nation has made significant strides in attracting financial backing from affluent donors traditionally aligned with the Liberal Party ahead of the upcoming Victorian state election, according to multiple reports. This shift in donor allegiance has sparked discussions about the implications for both parties and the broader political landscape. The movement appears to be driven by specific policy issues, such as opposition to property tax measures introduced by the Allan government and resistance to the government's work-from-home policies, which have resonated with certain segments of the business community.

The transition in support is evident among Melbourne's private property developers, who are reportedly offering substantial sums to One Nation in exchange for advocacy on these contentious topics. Additionally, entrepreneurs associated with small-to-medium-sized enterprises are contributing funds in anticipation of the November election, seeking assurances that One Nation will champion their interests against regulatory burdens and government mandates. These developments have been corroborated by several anonymous sources within the Liberal Party's fundraising operations, indicating a notable change in the flow of capital.

This pattern mirrors a national trend, wherein the Pauline Hanson-led One Nation has garnered attention from high-profile individuals such as billionaire mining magnate Gina Rinehart and stockbroker Angus Aitken. Notably, the federal Fire the Liar campaign, aimed at Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, has already amassed over $5 million in contributions. However, the challenge lies in managing large-scale donations while adhering to legal frameworks governing campaign finance.

Currently, only minimal amounts—totaling $6,239—have been publicly disclosed regarding One Nation's Victorian campaign, as per the Victorian Electoral Commission's records. This discrepancy raises concerns about transparency and compliance with donation regulations. There are ongoing inquiries into how the party manages its financial affairs, particularly following revelations that one of its candidates, Darren Hercus, was advised to utilize a personal bank account for receiving donations. The party has categorically rejected these allegations.

The uncertainty surrounding the formal receipt and allocation of donations further complicates the situation. It remains unclear whether these contributions are intended for the state or federal branches of the party. Delays in disclosure might be attributed to pledges made to candidates who have yet to secure official endorsements or to strategic withholding pending adjustments to state donation limits, which were under negotiation in early June. Moreover, the potential for donations to pass through intermediary structures could obscure the true extent of financial support.

With plans to field up to 100 candidates in the state election, internal apprehensions exist regarding the risk of losing pledged support due to organizational inefficiencies. The party lacks a designated state leader and a dedicated fundraising foundation, operating instead from a modest facility in Pakenham. Former Liberal Party state executive member Colleen Harkin, who has joined One Nation, is viewed as a potential leadership figure.

As the party navigates its expansion, it is still in the process of endorsing its candidates for the November election, reviewing over 1200 applications. Prospective candidates are evaluated based on their capacity to attract financial backing, suggesting a growing emphasis on grassroots fundraising strategies. Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell, representing the Northern Victoria region, expressed optimism about transitioning to a model that integrates public funding derived from electoral success alongside supporter contributions. While she acknowledged the challenges in defining this new approach, her remarks underscore a pivotal moment in the evolution of One Nation's operational strategy.