One Nation leader Pauline Hanson visited Melbourne on Monday to formally launch her party's campaign for the upcoming Victorian state election. The event, held at a venue in Hawthorn East, drew a significant police presence as protesters gathered outside to demonstrate against the party's arrival. Despite the tensions, the evening served as a platform for Hanson to introduce her new Victorian leadership team and outline the party's ambitions to contest seats across the state in November.
During the announcement, Hanson named army veteran Warren Pickering as the state leader for One Nation. Pickering, who will contest the marginal Labor-held seat of Pakenham, expressed confidence in the party's ability to win seats in its own right. Alongside him, the party unveiled a slate of eight candidates for the upper house, including former Liberal member Colleen Harkin and Chris Burson, a former police officer who previously served on security details for former Premier Dan Andrews.
While the fundraiser proceeded inside with approximately 300 attendees, the scene outside was marked by a heavy police barricade designed to separate supporters from vocal demonstrators. This is not the first time One Nation events in Melbourne have faced such friction; similar protests occurred earlier this year, reflecting the polarizing nature of the party's platform in the state.
In addition to the candidate reveal, Hanson used the visit to criticize the current state government, labeling Victoria a "basket case" and promising that her party would prioritize addressing crime and corruption. She also confirmed that the party would be running a full campaign, though specific policy details remain forthcoming as the election date approaches.
Looking ahead, the party faces the challenge of building a campaign machine in a state where it has historically lacked a deep organizational footprint. With the election scheduled for November, the coming months will be a critical test of whether One Nation can convert its national profile and protest-driven momentum into tangible electoral success in Victoria.