Former One Nation candidate Tim Bonds and Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce have issued a stark warning about a potential political uprising in the Hunter region, fueled by growing dissatisfaction with the major parties. The pair spoke at a community event in Singleton, where they highlighted the disconnect between Canberra and regional voters.
Rising Discontent in the Hunter
Bonds, who ran for One Nation in the 2022 federal election, said that many residents feel abandoned by both the Coalition and Labor. He pointed to issues such as rising cost of living, lack of infrastructure investment, and the closure of local services as key drivers of discontent. 'People are fed up with being taken for granted,' Bonds said. 'They want representatives who will actually fight for them.'
Barnaby Joyce's Warning
Barnaby Joyce, the former Deputy Prime Minister, echoed Bonds' sentiments, warning that the major parties ignore the Hunter at their peril. 'There's a real sense of anger and frustration out there,' Joyce said. 'If the Liberals and Nationals don't start delivering for regional Australia, they will face a backlash from voters who are ready to turn to alternatives like One Nation.'
Joyce specifically criticized the Albanese government's energy policies, which he claimed are hurting coal-dependent communities in the Hunter. He also expressed concern about the Coalition's drift towards the city-centric agenda.
One Nation's Prospects
Political analysts suggest that One Nation could make significant gains in the Hunter if the major parties fail to address regional concerns. The party already holds a seat in the NSW Legislative Council and has a strong base in the area. Bonds said he is considering running again in the next federal election, potentially with the backing of key local figures.
'The Hunter is a battleground that the major parties can no longer ignore,' Bonds concluded. 'If they don't listen, they will lose.'
