One Nation Candidates Self-Fund Victorian Election Campaigns 2026

One Nation candidates in several winnable Victorian seats are funding their own election campaigns, according to a report by Guardian Australia. Six candidates and campaigners, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said their campaign materials—including pamphlets, corflutes, and roadside banners—are paid for entirely through the $5,500 contribution required after preselection.

The candidates claim One Nation has not contributed any of its own money to these materials. Their payments will only be reimbursed if they secure at least 4% of first preference votes in their seat, which unlocks public funding for the party.

Why Candidate Self-Funding Matters in the Victorian Election

This revelation raises questions about One Nation's campaign strategy and financial priorities. In a competitive election, well-funded campaigns are crucial for visibility and voter outreach. Candidates who must self-fund may be at a disadvantage compared to those backed by major parties.

The $5,500 contribution is a significant sum for individual candidates, especially if they are not reimbursed. It suggests that One Nation is relying on its candidates to bear the financial burden of their own campaigns, potentially diverting resources away from other party activities.

Merchandise Revenue Shift Raises Concerns

Two candidates also said they were initially told their campaigns would receive a share of revenue from One Nation merchandise sold by their teams. However, they claim this arrangement was changed in recent weeks, with all proceeds now going to the party.

This shift has left some within One Nation in Victoria concerned, particularly those with experience in other political parties. One former Liberal campaigner, now volunteering for One Nation in Melbourne's outer suburbs, said the contrast between the two parties couldn't be greater.

"In key seats, the Liberal party would be spending $100,000, if not more," they said, requesting anonymity to speak without the party.

Party Strategy Under Scrutiny

The concerns extend beyond funding. Several candidates have questioned One Nation's overall strategy ahead of the election. With limited financial support from the party, some worry that their campaigns may not be able to compete effectively.

This is not the first time One Nation's campaign practices have drawn attention. The party has faced scrutiny over its candidate selection and campaign finances in other states. In Victoria, the party is hoping to capitalize on voter discontent, but internal divisions over funding could hamper its efforts.

What This Means for Voters and the Election

For voters, the self-funding of One Nation campaigns may signal a lack of party support for its candidates. It could also affect the party's ability to get its message out, potentially reducing its chances of winning seats.

The reimbursement threshold of 4% of first preference votes is a key factor. If candidates fail to reach this threshold, they may be left out of pocket. This creates a financial risk for individuals who are already investing their own money into their campaigns.

Comparison with Other Parties

The former Liberal campaigner's comment highlights the disparity in campaign spending. Major parties like the Liberals and Labor typically invest heavily in key seats, spending tens of thousands of dollars on advertising, materials, and staff. One Nation's approach appears to be more frugal, relying on candidates to fund their own efforts.

This could be a deliberate strategy to keep costs low, but it may also reflect a lack of resources or a focus on other priorities. Either way, it puts One Nation candidates at a disadvantage in terms of visibility and outreach.

What to Watch Next

As the election approaches, watch for whether One Nation provides additional support to its candidates or maintains its current approach. Also, monitor the reimbursement of candidate contributions and whether any candidates publicly voice their concerns.

The party's performance in the election will be a test of whether this self-funding model can succeed. If candidates struggle to gain traction, it may prompt a reevaluation of the party's campaign strategy.

For those following One Nation's activities, the party's candidate selection has already been eventful. One Nation recently named its Victorian election candidates and barred the ABC from its events, a move that drew media attention. The party also barred the ABC and banned journalists from certain events, further highlighting its contentious relationship with the media.

In a related development, One Nation's candidates have faced questions over their backgrounds, including alleged underworld links and health issues. These controversies add to the challenges the party faces in presenting a unified front.

Financially, the party has also been criticized for a $630,000 cash grab from Victorian candidates, which some see as excessive. The party has also had to dump a candidate over Hitler praise and Islamophobic posts, underscoring the difficulties in vetting candidates. The background to this story is set out in One Nation Names Victorian Election Candidates, Bars ABC and. A related thread runs through One Nation Names Victorian Election Candidates, Bans ABC and. Earlier coverage in One Nation Names Victorian Candidates as Hanson Bars ABC shows how the argument developed.

Beyond Victoria, One Nation's campaign tactics have drawn comparisons to anti-wind campaigns that undermine the green energy transition in Australia. The party's stance on renewable energy has been a point of contention, with organized campaigns reducing public support for wind and solar projects. A closer look at the same subject appears in One Nation Victoria Election Candidates: Underworld Links and Health. Anyone following the wider picture can start with One Nation's $630,000 Cash Grab from Victorian Candidates. The same theme surfaces in Muslim Votes Matter Softens Anti-Labor Stance for Victorian Election, which takes a different angle.

As the Victorian election unfolds, the funding of One Nation's campaign will remain a key issue. Whether the party can overcome these internal challenges and present a credible alternative to the major parties remains to be seen. Context on how this played out before sits in One Nation Sleepovers at Gina Rinehart's Mansion Revealed. A companion piece, One Nation Queensland Deregistration Risk as Inflation Eases, approaches the same subject from another angle.

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