One Nation Launches Victorian Campaign With Policy Pledges and Crown Casino Rally
The Australian reported after One Nation launched its Victorian election campaign at Crown Casino in Melbourne on Saturday. The right-wing party drew roughly 1,000 supporters to the event, where leader Pauline Hanson unveiled a platform focused on regional taxation, indigenous treaties, and law enforcement.
The gathering featured merchandise stalls, campaign tracks, and policy rollouts for the upcoming November state election. While federal polls show One Nation leading the Coalition nationally, the party is behind in Victoria.
Policy Commitments on Pepper Spray and Indigenous Treaties
One Nation used the Melbourne launch to announce several policy measures targeting Victorian voters, according to The Guardian. The party vowed to legalise the personal use of pepper spray, abolish the state’s treaty with Indigenous people, and scrap payroll tax in regional Victoria.
A circulated 63-page policy document titled “The Real Deal for Victoria” outlines plans to “gang up on gangs”. The event introduced candidates contesting all 88 lower house electorates and the upper house. Among the candidates are a former Liberal supported by alleged underworld figures, a naturopath endorsing unfounded claims about paracetamol and autism, and a former shire councillor who lost his license for drink-driving, as reported by The Guardian.
Political Backlash Over Prison Threats to Former Premiers
Tensions flared when candidate and cartoonist Mark Nicholson told the crowd that if One Nation won the election, former Victorian premiers Daniel Andrews and Jacinta Allan would be “in prison by Christmas,” as noted by SMH.com.au.
Victorian Premier Ben Carroll called the comments appalling on ABC Radio, while emphasizing the rule of law and judicial independence, according to SMH.com.au. Federal Liberals also criticized the rhetoric. Queensland MP Garth Hamilton stated that Nicholson’s comments previewed how One Nation would govern, and New England MP Barnaby Joyce attempted to distance himself from the jail-time pledge during an appearance on the Seven Network. Despite the pushback, One Nation strategists highlighted the prison threat on the party’s social media channels.
Campaign Logistics and Security Incidents
Security and media access at the Crown Casino event drew significant attention. According to The Guardian, One Nation barred certain media outlets, including the ABC and The Age, from attending the launch. Outside the venue, police monitored a smaller group of protesters demonstrating against the party.
Financial practices surrounding candidate nominations also faced scrutiny. Potential candidates questioned whether fees required by the party amounted to a cash grab that could yield up to $633,000 for One Nation, The Guardian reported. Meanwhile, Pauline Hanson faced continued questions regarding her ties to billionaire Gina Rinehart, including the use of private jets and luxury accommodations.
When did One Nation launch its Victorian campaign?
When did One Nation hold its Victorian campaign launch?
One Nation held its official campaign launch on Saturday, October 4, 2026, at Crown Casino in Melbourne.
How many attendees did the Crown Casino event draw?
Party social media posts claimed an attendance of more than 1,000 people, though independent estimates placed the crowd a few hundred lower, as reported by The Guardian.
Which specific candidates drew public scrutiny following the launch?
Scrutiny focused on Mark Nicholson, the creator of the party’s Please Explain Cartoon who threatened jail time for former premiers, alongside candidates including a naturopath linked to unfounded medical claims and a former shire councillor with a driving conviction, according to The Guardian and SMH.com.au.
What were the primary policy promises unveiled at the rally?
The party pledged to legalise personal pepper spray, scrap regional payroll tax, abolish the state’s Indigenous treaty, and implement stricter bail and sentencing laws, according to The Guardian.
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