In a by‑election that has reshaped Western Australia’s political map, One Nation candidate Luke Herdegen captured a seat in the state’s lower house, ending decades of Labor dominance in the Perth suburb of Secret Harbour. The win marks the party’s first lower‑house representation in the state and underscores the surge of support for the populist group’s hard‑line immigration platform.
Local victory with national implications
Herdegen, a local gym owner, defeated a Labor newcomer with 57% of the vote after longtime Labor incumbent Paul Papalia resigned for family medical reasons. The constituency, which has been held by Labor since 1989, was redrawn and renamed in recent years, but the result still represents a clear message to the centre‑left party.
“It sends a message that there are no safe Labor seats in this state or in this country,” Herdegen said in remarks broadcast by News24. His victory was hailed by One Nation leader Senator Pauline Hanson as evidence that the party’s stance on immigration and economic concerns is resonating with ordinary Australians.
Labor’s response
Senior federal Labor minister Tanya Plibersek responded on television, urging her party to improve communication about its focus on “real delivery” for Australians. She emphasized the need to address the concerns that have driven voters toward One Nation, including housing shortages, high living costs, and frustration with the major parties.
Plibersek’s comments reflect a broader challenge for both centre‑left and centre‑right parties in Australia, as they confront a rising third‑party force that is converting poll numbers into actual seats. The result arrives ahead of a state election in Victoria later this year, where One Nation hopes to replicate its success.
Broader political context
Founded in 1997, One Nation has long occupied the political fringe, but recent opinion polls have shown the party overtaking Labor for the first time in June. The surge appears tied to public anxiety over immigration, housing affordability, and a perceived decline in the effectiveness of Australia’s major parties.
Political analysts note that while One Nation’s hard‑line immigration stance may appeal to voters concerned about border security and cultural change, its broader platform also includes economic nationalism and criticism of government spending. The party’s growth illustrates a shifting landscape in Australian politics, where traditional party loyalties are weakening.
What’s next for Western Australia?
With Herdegen now seated in the state parliament, One Nation will have a direct voice in legislative debates affecting Western Australia. Observers will watch how the party leverages its new platform to influence policy on immigration, housing, and economic issues.
For local residents of Secret Harbour, the election result may bring heightened attention to community concerns and a more vocal representation of their interests at the state level. As the political tide continues to shift, Western Australians can expect a more contested and dynamic parliamentary environment in the months ahead.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
