One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has declared her party could achieve a historic victory in the Hunter electorate at the next federal election, pointing to growing voter discontent over housing affordability and cost of living pressures.
Revving Up Support Among True Believers
The firebrand senator was the star attraction at the Bikes, Cars and Coffee show at Full Throttle Ranch in Buttai on Sunday, where she served as special guest judge for the automotive event. The gathering attracted hundreds of car enthusiasts displaying vintage and contemporary hot-rod vehicles, with Australian flags and bright orange One Nation t-shirts prominently visible throughout the crowd.
Senator Hanson told the Newcastle Herald she understood the significance of automotive culture to many Australians, recalling her own childhood experiences with American muscle cars. "I've grown up with the big Chevies and Pontiacs and those sorts of cars, so it brings back a lot of memories," she said.
Groundswell of Voter Discontent
As she moved through the event judging vehicles, Hanson was repeatedly approached by supporters seeking photographs and handshakes. She described the encounters as overwhelmingly positive, with many attendees offering encouragement for her political efforts.
"They said, 'Keep going, we want our country back. We want Australia back. You're our only hope, and we appreciate what you're doing for us,'" Hanson reported. "It was full of support and 'you've got my vote next time.'"
Among the dedicated supporters was Ben Willson, who drove from Sydney specifically to display his 2013 nitro blue Ford R6T ute adorned with an Australian flag and meet the One Nation leader. Willson confirmed Hanson had signed his Australian flag during the event.
Hunter Seat Within Reach
Hanson was accompanied by fellow One Nation Senator Sean Bell and the party's Hunter candidate Stuart Bonds, a coal miner who has contested the seat multiple times. Bonds achieved his best result to date in the May 2025 election, securing 16.13 percent of the primary vote and finishing just over 20,000 votes behind Labor incumbent Dan Repacholi after preferences.
Hanson expressed confidence that this margin could be overcome in the 2028 election. "I think we're resonating with a lot of locals here," she said. "As someone said, 'What about the youth ever owning their own home?' That's on the minds of people and the cost of living."
The senator argued that traditional major parties had become disconnected from ordinary Australians, creating an opening for One Nation. "People are looking for someone who's really there to represent them, the Australian people," she stated. "They don't see the government or the opposition doing that."
Immigration Concerns Dominate Voter Sentiment
The political discussion came as the Sun-Herald published results from the latest Resolve Political Monitor showing significant voter concern about immigration levels. The poll revealed that 58 percent of NSW voters consider immigration levels too high, while 44 percent believe recent immigration has had a negative impact.
Hanson suggested these figures might actually understate public concern, claiming "I'd put it at 74 or 75 percent of Australians being unhappy with it." She identified immigration as a key driver of housing unaffordability, stating "it's one of the biggest issues that Australians are talking about, and it's why they can't get housing."
Despite these concerns, Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows net immigration fell 14 percent in the first three months of 2025 compared to the previous year.
Looking Toward 2028
Hanson confirmed Stuart Bonds has her full support to contest Hunter again in 2028, praising his connection to the community. "He relates to people, as he's a coal miner; he's on the ground and is a grassroots person," she said.
Bonds acknowledged the challenge ahead but pointed to polling gains as encouraging signs. "Politics is like trying to turn an oil tanker with your hands; it's a long, slow, drawn-out process," he observed. "But look at the gains in the polls. I know polling isn't election day, but it's the best indicator that we've got."
The Hunter seat has never been won by a non-Labor candidate since its creation, making it one of Australia's most enduring Labor strongholds. Bonds suggested state-level elections might provide earlier opportunities for One Nation breakthroughs in the region, noting that the neighboring Paterson electorate is considerably more marginal.
