One Nation hopes to capture 'forgotten' voters after Pauline Hanson visits WA musterKBy Katrina TapBy Macey TurnerABC GoldfieldsTopic:Australian Federal Elections3h ago3 hours agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 5:16amOne Nation hopes Ms Hanson's fly-in-fly-out rodeo visit will attract regional voters. (ABC Goldfields: Macey Turner)abc.net.au/news/one-nation-attracting-forgotten-wa-regional-voters/105231452Link copiedShareShare articleThe annual Nullarbor Muster is one of the biggest events on the social calendar in outback Western Australia.While it is held more than 3,000 kilometres away from Canberra, it has been the centre of a last-minute campaign dash to the west by Pauline Hanson's One Nation.The polarising, long-term political figure made a surprise visit to the remote rodeo event held at Rawlinna station in WA's Goldfields a week out from Australians heading to the polls.The remote rodeo attracted more than 800 people from across Australia. (ABC Goldfields: Macey Turner)Stay updated:Federal election live updates: Get the latest news from the campaign trailCatch the latest interviews and in-depth coverage on ABC iview and ABC ListenOn the back of securing two upper house seats in the WA election, One Nation is hoping to transfer state electoral success to the federal sphere."I think there is a great possibility for people to look at One Nation, to vote for them in the Senate at this election," Ms Hanson told the ABC during her stop in Kalgoorlie.Several young rodeo goers were eager to take pictures with the One Nation leader. (ABC Goldfields: Macey Turner)The muster attracted more than 800 people from all over Australia, mostly from regional and rural areas.Set in the backdrop of Australia's biggest sheep station, Rawlinna is in the heart of the safe Liberal seat of O'Connor.The seat is currently held by incumbent Liberal candidate Rick Wilson with a margin of 6.7 per cent and covers the state's southern wheatbelt and mining districts, and inland parts of the south-west.Since the seat's creation in 1980 it has only been held by one other party with the Nationals holding the seat from 2010-2013.Regional voters dissatisfied with major partiesPosing for photos and cracking beers with punters, Ms Hanson's visit was a popular fixture at the event.Ms Hanson said she received a warm welcome."It's not so much about getting more people on board, it's about having that presence," she said."People appreciate being able to see me, say hello, it's just — I'm real."Rodeo goer Ron Chrimes said he had considered voting for One Nation in this election."I had a bit of a chat with her," he said."She sounds pretty good."Mr Chrimes said he'd like to see more government funding in the regions. (ABC Goldfields: Macey Turner)Mr Chrimes said he felt major parties had turned their back on regional voters."They've done nothing for us out here. We're not visible to them anymore," he said."They [One Nation] understand that a lot of things come from the country. We don't rely on just being in the cities to have everything."We need more funding out here."Mr Hemp said Ms Hanson has always been popular in this region. (ABC Goldfields: Macey Turner)David Hemp, a sheep farmer from Darkan which is 1,000km away from the event, echoed a dissatisfaction with the duopoly of major parties."It's pointless having these politicians because they're not allowed to say anything, not allowed to do anything," he said."They used to hate each other, politicians. Now they're bosom buddies."Read more about the federal election:ANALYSIS: Why Dutton can't resort to a scare campaign with older AustraliansAustralia's next prime minister will inherit a 'world in disarray'The key election promises from Labor and the CoalitionWant even more? Here's where you can find all our 2025 federal election coverageWhile he did not confirm whether One Nation would get his vote, he said the live export ban would be an important factor for him."What the Albanese government has done to the West Australian rural community is beyond belief," Mr Hemp said.Ms Hanson's stop in Rawlinna was part of a three-day visit to the state where she also made appearances in Kalgoorlie, Esperance, and Perth.WA One Nation leader Rod Caddies said he thinks people were early to write off One Nation. (ABC Goldfields: Macey Turner)Ms Hanson was joined by senate candidate Tyron Whitten and O'Connor candidate Gemma Johnston, as well as newly minted upper house MP and state One Nation leader Rod Caddies.With cost-of-living relief, anti-gun reforms, and pro-live exports at the forefront of her campaign, the party seems to have struck a chord with some regional voters in WA.Follow the latest election newsPhoto shows ABC News Radio logo and the ABC Listen logo below it on a light blue background.Hear the latest election news as it happens on the Election Central Playlist. Only on the ABC listen app.She said the party's popularity in Queensland and WA had come from her party standing up for rural and regional areas."You're losing services, your health issues, they're big issues here," she said."I want to see the agriculture, the mining. I support coal mining."That's very prevalent to Queensland, and also Western Australia."Growing momentum from WA election successOne Nation has previously had a foothold in the Goldfields region with Robin Scott as a state upper house member from 2017 to 2021.Peter Kennedy said Ms Hanson's views still strike a chord, particularly with country people. (ABC News: Keane Bourke)Political commentator Peter Kennedy said winning seats in the most recent WA state election party had given One Nation a big boost for the federal election, particularly in regional seats."One Nation in country WA polled something like seven per cent first preference votes," he said."That's where One Nation's strength lies, and that's why its preferences could be so important."Mr Kennedy said Ms Hanson speaks regional voter's language. (ABC Goldfields: Macey Turner)Mr Kennedy said support for major parties was at the lowest it's been in years, which was why the party's preference deal with the Coalition could be so crucial.While it remains to be seen if Ms Hanson's drop-in on regional WA will win One Nation any seats, Mr Kennedy said it could help the Coalition maximise its primary votes.After almost 30 years in politics Ms Hanson said she hasn't changed, but people were just catching up with her. (ABC Goldfields: Macey Turner)"I think Pauline Hanson understands regional voters," he said."Regional votes in a state like WA could be very important in a tight finish."LoadingLoading...Having trouble seeing this form? Try this link.Posted 3h ago3 hours agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 5:16am, updated 2h ago2 hours agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 6:00amShare optionsCopy linkFacebookX (formerly Twitter)Top StoriesNationals senator 'can't comment' on whether One Nation is IslamophobicLIVEIs the Voice back? Peter Dutton wants you to believe it isSAnalysis by Stephanie DalzellPhoto shows Peter Dutton smiles, standing among a group of people in a darkened room. Above them are strings of lights.Kooyong corflute kerfuffle headed for court as Liberals cry foul at councilTopic:Federal GovernmentPhoto shows Monique Ryan Amelia Hamer pre-poll signsSecretive church sect followers told to deny beliefs on voting, in campaign backing CoalitionTopic:ElectionsPhoto shows A composite image of two people with blurred faces wearing blue Liberal Party t-shirts.Trump dismisses 'fake' approval rating as Americans voice tariff fearsTopic:World PoliticsPhoto shows Donald Trump smiles as a crowd holds supportive signs behind him.Related storiesCome back Pauline, all is forgiven in preference playAAnalysis by Annabel CrabbPhoto shows Pauline Hanson campaign launchMake Australia great again? Hanson and Palmer hitch to the Trump bandwagonTopic:ElectionsPhoto shows Black seats with yellow signs and hats sitting on them waiting for a crow. The sign says: VOTE 1 TRUMPET OF PATRIOTS.After years of urging, Pauline Hanson's daughter is running for One NationTopic:ElectionsPhoto shows Pauline Hanson with daughter Lee Hanson with some hot chips.Preference deals could change who wins in some seatsTopic:Australian Federal ElectionsPhoto shows Pauline Hanson cocks her head to the side while looking down her nose between the shoulders of two menRelated topicsAustralian Federal ElectionsDarkanEsperanceGovernment and PoliticsKalgoorliePerthRawlinnaRegional CommunitiesTop StoriesNationals senator 'can't comment' on whether One Nation is IslamophobicTopic:Australian Federal ElectionsIs the Voice back? Peter Dutton wants you to believe it isSAnalysis by Stephanie DalzellKooyong corflute kerfuffle headed for court as Liberals cry foul at councilTopic:Federal GovernmentSecretive church sect followers told to deny beliefs on voting, in campaign backing CoalitionTopic:ElectionsTrump dismisses 'fake' approval rating as Americans voice tariff fearsTopic:World PoliticsJust InClose calls, an angry professor and bumping Archie the Bat: Antony Green's top momentsTopic:Elections11m ago11 minutes agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 8:07am'Dog whistling' and 'broken promises': Groundhog Day for Indigenous policyAnalysis by Carly Williams15m ago15 minutes agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 8:03amLeaked draft of $45m federal aid plan for sheep farmers 'a shemozzle'Topic:Sheep Farming13m ago13 minutes agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 8:04amQueensland Fire Department to face legal action after fatal factory fireTopic:Fires13m ago13 minutes agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 8:05amMore Just InBack to top