Why This Matters

• The result shows One Nation turning polling support into a parliamentary seat in a state byelection, a development the party says will reverberate nationally.
• It highlights the decisive role of preference flows in Western Australian elections, with Labor trailing by 15 points after distribution.
• The loss in Secret Harbour raises questions about Labor's standing in the state as vote counting continues.

Background

Secret Harbour is a suburb in Perth's outer southern corridor. One Nation is an Australian right-wing minor party that has periodically won seats in state and federal parliaments. The byelection was held after the seat became vacant, though the circumstances of the vacancy were not detailed in the available reports.

Key Perspectives

One Nation: The party's WA leader said the result would send shock waves across the country, presenting the win as evidence of growing support.

Labor: Labor's candidate Georgia Tree trailed 57-42 after preferences, and reports said last-minute votes sealed Labor's fate.

Critics/Skeptics: With about a quarter of ballots still uncounted, the final margin remains subject to change as remaining votes and preferences are tallied.

What to Watch

• The final result once all votes are counted, and whether Herdegen's 57 per cent margin holds.
• Reaction from state and federal political leaders following One Nation's claim of national impact.
• How Labor responds to the loss in Secret Harbour and whether the result affects its broader Western Australian strategy.