One Nation Launches Cunningham Branch with Eye on Permanent Illawarra Presence
The political landscape in the Illawarra region is shifting as One Nation establishes a new foothold in the federal electorate of Cunningham. The party held its inaugural branch meeting on Sunday at the Bulli Workers Club, drawing a crowd of 107 people. This move represents a strategic effort to create what executive member John Adams describes as a "permanent presence" in the area.
From Liberal Adviser to One Nation Executive
John Adams, a former Liberal Party member and senior adviser to Senator Arthur Sinodinos, has joined One Nation, marking his first political affiliation since leaving the Liberals in 2016. Adams believes there is a structural change occurring among voters, rather than a temporary shift. "I think it's structural, though how much of the electorate is going to permanently move away from the Labor-Coalition uni-party establishment, I don't know," he stated.
Adams sees significant opportunity in Cunningham, where he notes the Liberal Party is "basically non-existent" and Labor faces growing dissatisfaction. "I think there's a lot of opportunity to build a permanent presence in Cunningham," he emphasized, pointing to frustration with current living conditions and the economy.
Diverse Support Base Emerges
The first meeting attracted a cross-section of the community, including retirees, small-business owners, and skilled professionals. Adams highlighted that this diversity challenges stereotypes about One Nation's support base. "It's not just the stereotypical group that you would expect to go with One Nation," he remarked.
This expansion follows the establishment of One Nation branches in other Illawarra electorates, including Whitlam and the South Coast seat of Gilmore. The party is clearly aiming to broaden its influence across the region.
Electoral Challenges and Opportunities
At the 2025 federal election, Labor's Alison Byrnes retained the Cunningham seat with 44 percent of the primary vote, while One Nation's candidate garnered just 7 percent. When asked if the party aims to unseat Labor in Cunningham, Adams remained cautious. "It's too early to say where this is going," he said.
However, Adams expressed confidence in attracting votes from both major parties. "I think there's a significant opportunity to get a significant portion of the Liberal vote in Cunningham," he explained. "But obviously there are plenty of people from Labor who are frustrated with the Albanese government who are also coming across to One Nation."
Adams concluded on an optimistic note, stating, "I think we're off to a very promising start." The Illawarra region now watches closely as One Nation seeks to cement its place in the local political arena.
