One Nation in Regional Victoria: A Bush Revolt Brewing

Table of Contents

• HORSHAM, VICTORIA — One Nation is making a high‑profile push into regional Victoria as the November state election looms.
• What's happening and where
• Who is leading the push
• Why it matters now
• Reactions from parties and leaders
• Where this could swing votes
• What to watch next
• Key takeaways
• FAQs

HORSHAM, VICTORIA — One Nation is making a high‑profile push into regional Victoria as the November state election looms.

One Nation in regional Victoria has become a headline issue after senior federal figures, led by Barnaby Joyce, travelled to Horsham to kick‑start candidate recruitment and rally regional voters. The move has unsettled both the Coalition and Labor, and is shaping up as a potential "bush revolt" that could redraw traditional voting patterns across the Wimmera and other rural districts.

What's happening and where

Across Victoria Alliance events in Horsham have become a focal point for discontent with the state government. Organisers are courting farmers, volunteer firefighters and small business owners — groups that feel overlooked on issues such as emergency services funding and local recovery after bushfires.

Speakers at the conference framed the visit as an open invitation to candidates and a challenge to the established parties. Several Alliance members signalled they may stand for the Coalition in November, while One Nation has pledged to field candidates in every seat across the state.

Who is leading the push

One Nation's strategy in Victoria has been amplified by figures who defected from mainstream parties. Barnaby Joyce's presence is the headline draw, attracting national media attention and lending the campaign credibility among some rural voters. Joyce's blunt messaging — often dismissive of mainstream political narratives — has resonated in parts of the bush.

Opposition leader Jess Wilson withdrew from the event citing scheduling issues, while the Victorian Liberals and Nationals sent senior representatives, including Danny O'Brien and Bev McArthur, to address the conference and attempt to shore up their regional base.

Why it matters now

Victoria goes to the polls in about 10 months, and regional seats are already showing signs of movement. One Nation's appeal is not restricted to conservative voters; polling and on‑the‑ground feedback suggest they are attracting disillusioned Labor voters as well.

Key local issues — the emergency services levy, bushfire funding and perceived neglect of country communities — are prime drivers of voter frustration. Those issues give One Nation and allied groups tangible policy hooks to recruit candidates and voters.

Reactions from parties and leaders

The state opposition has pushed back, arguing its senior people were present to represent traditional centre‑right interests. At the same time, voices at the conference described Victoria as “a basket case”, underscoring how strongly some attendees feel about the state's direction.

“She says it's misinformation but I'm not going to give any information whatsoever. I'm not even going to show.”

Comments like this, and sharper lines from columnists and conference speakers, are likely to deepen divisions between metropolitan and regional electorates as the campaign season intensifies.

Where this could swing votes

One Nation’s campaign faces limits: while it may galvanise rural support, its appeal in inner Melbourne and other urban centres is likely to be far weaker. The Nationals also hold an established regional brand that will compete directly for the same voters.

Nevertheless, even a small swing in several rural seats could influence the parliamentary arithmetic and the balance of power, particularly if independents or micro‑parties pick up support from a fragmented conservative vote.

What to watch next

• Candidate announcements from One Nation and the Across Victoria Alliance in the coming weeks.
• How the Coalition manages internal competition where Alliance members choose to stand against endorsed Nationals or Liberals.
• Policy pledges on the emergency services levy and bushfire recovery, which are likely to dominate regional campaigning.

Key takeaways

• One Nation is actively campaigning in regional Victoria, centring its pitch on local frustration and service funding.
• Barnaby Joyce's involvement raises the profile of the effort but also polarises urban and regional perceptions.
• The Nationals' established presence and inner‑city vulnerabilities will limit how far One Nation can spread its appeal.
• Emergency services funding and bushfire support will be pivotal issues at the ballot box.

FAQs

Will One Nation run candidates in every Victorian seat?

One Nation has pledged to contest seats across the state and is actively recruiting candidates, but final nominations and the party’s full slate will become clear closer to the election.

Is this movement likely to hurt the Nationals more than the Liberals?

The Nationals risk the most direct competition because they already occupy many rural electorates. However, splits in the conservative vote can also indirectly harm the Liberals in marginal seats where preferences matter.

What local issues are driving support for One Nation?

Immediate drivers include dissatisfaction with the emergency services levy, concerns about bushfire funding and recovery, and a broader sense among some country voters that regional communities are being neglected by Melbourne‑based policymakers.

Could One Nation's presence swing the overall state result?

It’s unlikely One Nation alone will determine the result, but their influence in multiple rural seats could affect the final makeup of the parliament, especially if several marginals shift or preferences fragment the conservative vote.

The information in this article has been adapted from mainstream news sources and video reports published on official channels. Watch the full video here One Nation making a play in regional Victoria | 7NEWS