Voters in Melbourne suburb turn to One Nation over major parties

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 24 Oct, 21:32 · Archive

Residents of the ultra-marginal Melbourne seat of Pakenham are backing One Nation over Labor and the Coalition, citing cost of living, crime and infrastructure delays.

Residents of Pakenham, an ultra-marginal seat in Melbourne's outer east, are turning to One Nation ahead of Victoria's state election next month. Shaun Martindale and others in the region cite cost of living, crime and infrastructure delays as reasons for abandoning the major parties. Martindale noted that a roundabout revitalisation project had taken two years to complete.

Polling suggests One Nation's best prospects lie in Labor-held outer suburbs and regional areas. Pakenham is held by Labor's Emma Vulin with a margin of just 0.39 per cent. George Hasanakos, Head of Research at DemosAU, said One Nation would be targeting such seats, as they had limited Coalition support. "One Nation has to win seats off Labor in areas where the coalition hasn't really polled well in the past," he explained. "They would be keenly targeting those because they are held by Labor."

The seat presents additional opportunity after Vulin announced she will not recontest it. Liberal candidate David Farrelly, who achieved a 1.8 per cent swing in Pakenham in 2022, has lost preselection. Some conservative voters may now vote One Nation in protest at this decision.

Voters in Melbourne suburb turn to One Nation over major parties — Image: The West Australian

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How it is being reported

Choosing One Nation: disillusioned or just fed up?One Nation's rising popularity or declining support for the major parties? Residents in an ultra-marginal seat are calling for change.The West Australian · 24 Oct, 21:05
Choosing One Nation: disillusioned or just fed up?One Nation's rising popularity or declining support for the major parties? Residents in an ultra-marginal seat are calling for change.Perth Now · 24 Oct, 21:05

In this story: One Nation · Emma Vulin · Pakenham · Shaun Martindale · Julie Cincotta · David Farrelly · George Hasanakos · Victoria

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