Like it or not, One Nation isn't a sideshow anymore.

The party proved it must be taken seriously, especially in Gippsland, where candidate Greg Hansford attracted close to 15 per cent of the vote — the party’s best result in Victoria. He even polled the most votes at the Yallourn North voting centre.

Mr Hansford said he was very encouraged by the support, adding, “it wasn't a fluke.”

“I was extremely pleased. I had a very good group of volunteers behind me who worked extremely hard,” he said.

“I tried to be as visible as possible, get around to as many places as I could during the campaign — it has certainly paid off.
I tried to listen to people, find out what their concerns were, and focused on those throughout the campaign.”

Mr Hansford performed very well across multiple towns, including Glengarry, Toongabbie, Cowwarr, Gormandale, Rosedale, and Heyfield, often beating Labor.

The strong performance in Heyfield reflected local frustration over Labor’s native timber policies. In Yallourn North, the party’s advocacy for HELE (High Efficiency, Low Emissions) coal power also resonated, especially as other parties focused on renewables or nuclear.

“A lot of people were surprised Labor got back in, but my supporters were energised,” Mr Hansford said.

“We went from 9.64 per cent in 2022 to nearly 15 per cent. That’s a real boost and has people talking about the state election in 12 months.”

With support for One Nation growing, Mr Hansford said it’s time to reconsider outdated stereotypes.

“It’s very pro-Australia,” he said. “One or two people said ‘they’re a racist party’. I always reply, ‘find me one racist policy — I’ll happily switch if you can.’

All of our policies are for Australian jobs and industry.”

One Nation also had reason to celebrate nationally, after political rival Adam Bandt lost his seat and leadership of the Greens.

Party leader Pauline Hanson was reportedly dancing around her house with a gin and tonic upon hearing the news.