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One Nation leader Mike Newman crashes NSW question time, backs anti-vax bill

Premier Chris Minns pressures party to cost policies as state election approaches

By LineZotpaper
Published
Read Time2 min
Sources3 outlets
One Nation NSW leader Mike Newman briefly crashed question time on Wednesday before being escorted from parliament, as Premier Chris Minns stepped up pressure on the populist party to have its policies costed and warned they risked fuelling inflation.

Newman, who is not an MP, appeared in the Legislative Assembly during debate on an anti-vaccination bill introduced by Libertarian MP John Ruddick. He was later escorted out by parliament staff after entering an area reserved for opposition staff rather than the public gallery. Newman said he was unsure why he was removed but assumed it was due to where he was standing.

Earlier this week, the NSW parliament introduced legislation to allow One Nation access to the Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) to cost its policies ahead of the state election. Newman questioned the independence of the office and said he would not use it to cost his own policies, instead seeking to inquire into "the total cost of net zero to the NSW budget".

Premier Minns singled out Newman during question time on Wednesday, accusing him of shortchanging the public by dismissing the work of the PBO. Minns argued that One Nation's refusal to submit policies for costing meant voters could not assess the fiscal impact of their platform.

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Analysis

Why This Matters

  • The clash highlights tensions ahead of the NSW state election, with One Nation potentially influencing the balance of power
  • Refusal to cost policies raises concerns about fiscal transparency and the potential for unfunded spending promises
  • The anti-vaccination bill, while unlikely to pass, signals a renewed push by minor parties on controversial health issues

Background

One Nation has emerged as a minor force in NSW politics, fielding candidates in several seats. The party's leader Mike Newman is contesting the seat of Cessnock. The government's decision to grant One Nation access to the Parliamentary Budget Office was seen as an attempt to normalise the party's participation in the election process, but Newman's rejection of the office has created a standoff.

Key Perspectives

Premier Chris Minns (NSW Labor): Argues One Nation must submit policies for independent costing to ensure voters understand the financial implications of their platform, warning that uncosted promises could add to inflationary pressures. Mike Newman (One Nation NSW): Questions the independence of the Parliamentary Budget Office and declines to use it for policy costing, instead planning to investigate the cost of net zero commitments to the state budget. Critics/Skeptics: Some observers worry that One Nation's refusal to engage with the PBO undermines democratic accountability and could allow the party to make unrealistic promises without scrutiny.

What to Watch

  • Whether One Nation eventually uses the PBO or faces further political pressure during the campaign
  • The fate of John Ruddick's anti-vaccination bill in the Legislative Assembly
  • Impact on polling and seat outcomes in key NSW electorates where One Nation is fielding candidates

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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