The One Nation party won the Secret Harbour by-election this month, securing its first lower-house seat in Western Australia [1].
The victory is seen as a significant shift in the political landscape of the southern suburbs of Perth. Analysts suggest the result indicates a decline in the relevance of the traditional two-party system as voters seek alternatives to the major political blocks.
Pollster Kos Samaras said the result reinforces the notion that the two-party system is "on the nose with many voters" [3]. The shift comes as the One Nation party captures a seat in an electorate characterized by its outer urban profile, young families, and mortgage belt demographics [4].
WA Premier Roger Cook criticized the Liberal Party and its leader, Basil Zempilas, following the result. Cook said the Liberal Party had given up in its efforts to win the southern suburbs seat [5].
The by-election took place in August 2026 [2]. The victory marks a historic milestone for the party in Western Australia, where it had previously struggled to gain a foothold in the lower house [1].
Observers noted that the Secret Harbour electorate is one of the most Anglo electorates in the state [4]. The combination of demographic factors and voter frustration has created an environment where minor parties can challenge established political norms, a trend that may influence future elections in similar regions.
“One Nation's big win in the Secret Harbour by-election reinforces the notion that the two-party system is on the nose with many voters.”
The One Nation victory in Secret Harbour suggests a widening gap between the major parties and voters in outer-suburban, working-class demographics. By capturing a lower-house seat in Western Australia, the party has demonstrated that frustration with the political establishment can translate into tangible legislative representation, potentially emboldening other minor parties to target similar 'mortgage belt' electorates.
