What does a One Nation MP in Victoria actually look like?

Western Australian Liberal leader Basil Zempilas addressed his party’s state conference this week, outlining a strategy for the 2029 state election that navigates the rising influence of One Nation. Speaking to delegates, Zempilas declared that a pathway to victory exists, though it may require traveling down a political road less traveled. This metaphor, often associated with Robert Frost’s poem regarding diverging paths, reflects the current dilemma facing the Western Australian Liberals. With two and a half years remaining until the next election, the party faces a critical strategic choice regarding how to handle the growing support base of One Nation. The central tension involves determining whether the Liberals should leverage One Nation’s momentum to unseat the incumbent Labor government or confront the minor party directly due to perceived existential threats. Zempilas maintained that his party is not operating in partnership with One Nation, yet acknowledged shared objectives. He stated that both parties desire the removal of the Labor government, identifying this as the primary area of common ground. Zempilas argued that any leader failing to consider all available political dynamics would be derelict in their duties. This stance contrasts sharply with comments made by Queensland Premier David Crisafulli, who recently ruled out future negotiations with One Nation. During his address, Zempilas highlighted the poor performance of the Labor government, particularly regarding cost-of-living pressures, health system strain caused by an aging population, and ongoing child protection crises. These issues, described as wicked problems without simple solutions, have been exacerbated by policies from both major parties. Zempilas announced reforms to payroll tax as part of his platform, aiming to alleviate financial burdens on businesses and individuals. Federal Liberal leader Angus Taylor reinforced these themes during the conference, promising to eliminate what he termed toxic taxes, waste, and red tape imposed by Labor. Taylor suggested that reducing regulatory barriers would stimulate economic growth, leading to increased business activity, agricultural output, and infrastructure development. One Nation’s presence in the Western Australian Parliament has intensified this political debate. Luke Herdegen, the party’s first member in the state’s lower house, delivered a maiden speech last week that emphasized an anti-establishment sentiment. Herdegen asserted that he did not feel isolated in the chamber, predicting that more One Nation colleagues would join him. He criticized existing politicians for becoming complacent and ignoring shifting voter sentiments. Herdegen noted that the public cares little about parliamentary titles, procedural rules, or social privileges within the building. Instead, voters focus on practical matters, specifically whether they can afford to provide dinner for their families. He warned that it was too late for incumbents to halt the shift in political power, though he offered to help them understand the underlying causes. The rise of One Nation is not unique to Western Australia, with similar trends observed in other states. In Victoria, One Nation polls strongly ahead of the upcoming state election, with recent surveys suggesting the party could secure five additional upper house seats. The party’s platform includes abolishing payroll tax in regional areas, legalizing pepper spray for self-defense, abandoning net-zero climate targets, and repealing the statewide treaty with First Nations peoples. Currently, Victoria has one One Nation member, Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell, who was elected in 2022 to represent Northern Victoria. She became the first One Nation member elected to the Victorian parliament. Tyrrell outlined her priorities in a maiden speech in February 2023, focusing on limiting bureaucratic interference in rural life and addressing waterway management. She criticized state and local governments for overreaching into personal freedoms, citing examples such as restrictions on collecting wood, fishing, repairing roads, or building sheds. Tyrrell argued that removing red tape would allow irrigation communities to thrive. On immigration, she expressed concern about population numbers rather than race or culture, linking high immigration rates to homelessness, overcrowded schools, and hospital shortages. She claimed that adding more people to a struggling population was cruel. Since entering office, Tyrrell has introduced motions related to drought relief, water policy, and road repair standards. One notable motion proposed creating a criminal offense for desecrating national and state flags, which was subsequently defeated. Her legislative record shows advocacy for several, but not all, of the issues raised in her initial address.