Government minister warns of shadowy figures controlling One Nation

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 31 Oct, 22:50 · Archive

Environment Minister Murry Watt has claimed unelected figures are steering One Nation's agenda.

Environment Minister Murry Watt has claimed that unelected figures are exerting significant control over One Nation, undermining the party's elected representatives and its ability to work with the Albanese government.

Watt said on Sunday that unelected figures within One Nation's organisation "seem to be able to overrule the needs of elected members of parliament". When pressed to name examples, he pointed to James Ashby, One Nation leader Pauline Hanson's longtime associate who left the position of chief of staff earlier this year to become the party's director. Ashby is also considering a run for the central Queensland seat of Capricornia following the announcement that sitting Nationals MP Michelle Landry will retire at the next election.

Watt made the comments after discussing support for Murray-Darling Basin communities with One Nation MP David Farley, an outcome that contributed to a $50m commitment announced this week to boost jobs in the region. The government also recently provided $14.5m to support SunRice's expansion plans in Leeton, a town in Farley's NSW electorate of Farrer. Watt suggested that some within One Nation were more focused on conflict than solutions for their communities.

How it is being reported

• Senior Albanese government minister warns ‘shadowy figures’ calling shots in One NationA senior minister has issued a stark warning about One Nation, claiming “shadowy figures” are undermining the party’s elected representatives.The West Australian · 31 Oct, 22:39
• Senior Albanese government minister warns ‘shadowy figures’ calling shots in One NationA senior minister has issued a stark warning about One Nation, claiming “shadowy figures” are undermining the party’s elected representatives.Perth Now · 31 Oct, 22:38

In this story: Murry Watt · One Nation · David Farley · James Ashby · Pauline Hanson · Murray-Darling Basin · Farrer · Capricornia

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