One Nation has claimed victory in the Secret Harbour state byelection in Western Australia, with candidate Luke Herdegen leading Labor's Georgia Tree after 74.5% of votes were counted. The result is seen as a significant upset in a traditionally safe Labor seat.
The victory in a traditionally safe Labor seat signifies a potential shift in voter sentiment and could impact future election outcomes in Western Australia and potentially across the country.
One Nation has claimed victory in the Secret Harbour state byelection in Western Australia, a result that could send shockwaves across the country. With 74.5% of the vote counted, One Nation's Luke Herdegen held a 57-42 lead over Labor's Georgia Tree after preferences.
One Nation's WA leader Rod Caddies declared victory, asserting that there are "no safe Labor seats in this state or in this country anymore." The contest was triggered by the mid-term retirement of senior minister Paul Papalia in the traditionally safe Labor seat.
Herdegen attributed his campaign's strong performance to a desire for change, citing voter concerns over the cost of living and housing issues exacerbated by immigration. Voters on the ground expressed a desire for change, with some stating they trusted One Nation more than the major parties.
WA Premier Roger Cook acknowledged the difficulty in holding the outer-suburban electorate, noting that by-elections can amplify various issues. Key concerns for voters included cost-of-living pressures, housing availability, and a perceived lack of community amenities.