In short:
One Nation has named Fiona Lopez as its upper house candidate for Melbourne’s west ahead of November’s state election. The party is positioning itself as a major force in Victoria, despite a slight dip in support since April.
The "Orange Wave" Lands
The much anticipated orange wave has finally arrived in the west, with One Nation unveiling Fiona Lopez as its upper house candidate for the region in November’s state election.
A lifelong resident of Melbourne’s western suburbs and an HR manager by trade, Lopez has outlined cracking down on crime, improving Victoria’s aged care system and addressing trades shortages as her election focuses.
“I will always say what needs to be said and I will never stop fighting for what is right and just for the people of the Western Metropolitan Region,” Lopez said.
Lopez’s appointment marks a major step in the right-wing populist party’s ambition to establish itself as a force in Victoria. Less than a week ago, Warren Pickering was announced as One Nation’s Victorian State President.
According to a Roy Morgan SMS poll conducted from 5–7 August, One Nation has 23.5% of the Victorian primary vote, narrowly trailing Labor and the Liberal-National Coalition, which are tied on 26%.
(Unveiling of Warren Pickering as Victorian leader)
Party Poised To Cause Major Political Disruption
Despite One Nation’s surging popularity and political relevance, its primary vote has dipped one percentage point since April.
The party owes both its grassroots popularity—and fierce opposition—to its polarising positions on matters such as immigration, energy policies and founder Pauline Hanson’s direct, outspoken persona.
With more than three months until election day, One Nation is already causing headaches on Spring Street—particularly for Jess Wilson’s Liberals, who are under increasing pressure to do a preference deal with the orange outfit.
Depending on how many seats they win, One Nation could find itself the kingmaker.
The Labor Government has already come out swinging by repeatedly using the Liberal-One Nation coalition slogan, even though neither party has entered into a formal coalition arrangement.
While One Nation winning a lower house seat in Melbourne’s west remains unlikely, the party could still contribute to Labor losing key battleground electorates.
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