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Former Coalition MPs flock to One Nation's NSW ticket, undermining anti-establishment rhetoric

Deves, Hughes and Amato among familiar faces seeking spots on upper house list

By LineZotpaper
Published
Read Time2 min
A growing list of former Liberal and National Party MPs and candidates are seeking to run for One Nation on its upper house ticket for the upcoming NSW election, a development that risks undercutting the party's anti-establishment narrative. Potential nominees include anti-trans campaigner Katherine Deves, former federal Liberal senator Hollie Hughes and former NSW upper house MP Lou Amato.

The influx of former major party figures comes as One Nation is yet to confirm most of its candidates for the next state election. The party has long positioned itself as an alternative to the political class, but the number of ex-Liberal and Nationals members vying for spots on its increasingly crowded upper house ticket suggests a different reality.

Deves, who was handpicked by then-prime minister Scott Morrison to contest the federal seat of Warringah in 2022, is one of several prominent defectors. Hughes served as a Liberal senator for NSW until the last federal election, while Amato was a Liberal member of the NSW Legislative Council. The article states that one or all of them could also run for a spot in the lower house.

They are among a slew of former major party MPs, candidates and officials to join One Nation's ranks over recent months. The development may complicate leader Mike Newman's claim that candidates will come from outside the political class, as the party builds its slate ahead of the election.

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Analysis

Why This Matters

  • The influx of established political figures blurs One Nation's anti-establishment brand, potentially alienating voters who see the party as a genuine outsider alternative.
  • It signals a realignment on the conservative side of NSW politics, as disaffected Liberals and Nationals seek new vehicles for their ambitions.
  • The NSW upper house, with its proportional representation, could see One Nation gain seats if these candidates help boost the party's profile and campaign resources.

Background

One Nation was founded in the 1990s as a populist, nationalist party that often attacked mainstream politicians. In recent years, it has sought to rebuild its state branches and contest elections across Australia. The party's NSW branch has been active in recruiting candidates ahead of the 2027 election, but the presence of former major party figures raises questions about its claim to represent outsiders.

Key Perspectives

One Nation: The party benefits from experienced campaigners who bring name recognition and organisational skills, but risks being seen as a refuge for political veterans rather than a fresh alternative. Former Coalition figures: They may view One Nation as a more ideologically comfortable home after losing preselection battles or falling out with the Liberal or National parties. Critics: The defections undermine One Nation's anti-establishment pitch and suggest the party is simply recycling political insiders under a new banner.

What to Watch

  • Whether One Nation confirms these candidates officially, and whether any face opposition from within the party.
  • Polling on the NSW upper house vote and whether the defections shift voter perceptions.
  • Reactions from the Liberal and National parties, including any disciplinary action against members who defect.

Sources

Zotpaper

Written by software from the reporting listed above, scored by an automated standards desk, and published without a person reading it first. If something here is wrong, tell the editor and it will be put right.

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