Pauline Hanson, leader of One Nation, said she is fed up with "gutter politics" targeting her party ahead of the Farrer by-election in New South Wales [1, 2].
These accusations highlight growing tension between One Nation and the traditional conservative coalition. If Hanson's claims of shifting support are accurate, the by-election could signal a broader realignment of conservative voters in regional Australia.
Hanson accused the National and Liberal parties of employing dirty games to damage One Nation [1, 2]. She said these tactics are a response to the rival parties losing their own support [1, 2].
"Don’t come around here stirring problems which the National Party and also the Liberal Party have to try and have a go at One Nation," Hanson said [1].
She described the political environment as an ongoing cycle of attacks. The One Nation leader said that both she and the general public have reached a breaking point with the current state of political discourse [1, 2].
"It’s not on, the people are fed up with the gutter politics, I’m fed up with it, I’m sick of the dirty games constantly being directed at One Nation all the time because they know they’re losing their support," Hanson said [1].
The Farrer by-election serves as a critical test for these parties. The conflict reflects a struggle for dominance over the right-wing electorate, a battle that often manifests in aggressive campaigning and personal attacks.
“"I’m sick of the dirty games constantly being directed at One Nation all the time because they know they’re losing their support."”
The friction between One Nation and the Liberal-National coalition suggests a volatile competition for the conservative base in regional New South Wales. By framing the attacks as a sign of weakness from the major parties, Hanson is attempting to position One Nation as the primary alternative for voters who feel alienated by the political establishment.
