One Nation hopes to capture 'forgotten' voters after Pauline Hanson visits WA muster

The annual Nullarbor Muster is one of the biggest events on the social calendar in outback Western Australia.

While it is held more than 3,000 kilometres away from Canberra, it has been the centre of a last-minute campaign dash to the west by Pauline Hanson's One Nation.

The polarising, long-term political figure made a surprise visit to the remote rodeo event held at Rawlinna station in WA's Goldfields a week out from Australians heading to the polls.

On the back of securing two upper house seats in the WA election, One Nation is hoping to transfer state electoral success to the federal sphere.

"I think there is a great possibility for people to look at One Nation, to vote for them in the Senate at this election," Ms Hanson told the ABC during her stop in Kalgoorlie.

The muster attracted more than 800 people from all over Australia, mostly from regional and rural areas.

Set in the backdrop of Australia's biggest sheep station, Rawlinna is in the heart of the safe Liberal seat of O'Connor.

Posing for photos and cracking beers with punters, Ms Hanson's visit was a popular fixture at the event.

Ms Hanson said she received a warm welcome.

"It's not so much about getting more people on board, it's about having that presence," she said.
"People appreciate being able to see me, say hello, it's just — I'm real."

Rodeo goer Ron Chrimes said he had considered voting for One Nation in this election.

"I had a bit of a chat with her," he said.
"She sounds pretty good."

Mr Chrimes said major parties had turned their back on regional voters.

"They've done nothing for us out here... We need more funding out here."

Ms Hanson's stop in Rawlinna was part of a three-day visit to the state where she also made appearances in Kalgoorlie, Esperance, and Perth.

She was joined by senate candidate Tyron Whitten and O'Connor candidate Gemma Johnston, as well as newly minted upper house MP and state One Nation leader Rod Caddies.

With cost-of-living relief, anti-gun reforms, and pro-live exports at the forefront of her campaign, the party seems to have struck a chord with some regional voters in WA.

"You're losing services, your health issues, they're big issues here," she said.
"I want to see the agriculture, the mining. I support coal mining. That's very prevalent to Queensland, and also Western Australia."

Political commentator Peter Kennedy said winning seats in the most recent WA state election had given One Nation a big boost for the federal election, particularly in regional seats.

"That's where One Nation's strength lies, and that's why its preferences could be so important."

"I think Pauline Hanson understands regional voters," he said.
"Regional votes in a state like WA could be very important in a tight finish."