One Nation claims victory in Secret Harbour by-election
Party on track to secure first lower house seat in Western Australia
Quick Look
- One Nation claims victory in the Secret Harbour by-election, marking a potential first lower house seat in Western Australia.
- The result represents a significant swing against Labor in a traditionally safe seat, drawing national attention to the party's campaign.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The Secret Harbour seat has been held by Labor since 1989. Paul Papalia previously held the seat with an 11.5 per cent margin.
One Nation is claiming victory in the Secret Harbour by-election, with counting showing it is on track to secure its first ever lower house seat in Western Australia.
One Nation's WA leader Rod Caddies claimed victory for the party's candidate Luke Herdegen at 9.30pm local time, although Labor was yet to concede.
Labor's candidate was political staffer-turned-Woodside lobbyist Georgia Tree.
The area was traditionally safe Labor territory, having been held in different shapes and under different names since 1989, including most recently by Paul Papalia on an 11.5 per cent margin.
WA Labor Premier Roger Cook had repeatedly described the by-election as a "fight for our lives", given the threat posed by One Nation.
That the minor party was able to achieve such a large swing in Labor heartland will be watched closely around the country, both as an indication of the support behind One Nation and to learn lessons in how it can be campaigned against.
Open Questions
- Will Labor officially concede the seat?
- What is the final vote count margin?
