One Nation Names Victorian Election Candidates, Bans ABC and 2026

One Nation has named its first candidates for the upcoming Victorian state election, while leader Pauline Hanson has vowed to ban the ABC and the Guardian from her press conferences. This controversial move raises questions about media access and democratic transparency in Australian politics.

One Nation's Victorian Election Strategy

At a press conference on Monday, One Nation announced seven of the eight candidates who will lead its upper house tickets in Victoria. The party's Victorian president, Warren Pickering, said the party "expect and invite a healthy amount of scrutiny of our candidates and our policy positions." However, the exclusion of major media outlets suggests a selective approach to scrutiny.

The eighth candidate is expected to be announced later, completing the party's slate for the state election. This strategic positioning aims to increase One Nation's influence in Victoria, a state where the party has historically struggled to gain seats.

Media Ban: ABC and Guardian Excluded

Reporters from the ABC and the Age were refused entry to the press conference, and neither the ABC, the Age, nor the Guardian were informed of the event's time or location in advance. This follows One Nation's previous statements that the ABC and the Guardian were not welcome at party events.

When asked whether all media should have access in a democracy, Hanson replied, "Democracy doesn't happen on the ABC at all." She also claimed she had denied ABC journalists access for "eight months" in 1996, and added, "The same will go with the Guardian. I'm not putting up with the spin, gotcha moments, wanting to have a go at me."

Rebel News as an Alternative

Hanson indicated that Rebel News Australia, run by Avi Yemini, a former Israeli soldier and self-styled investigative journalist, would be welcome at her events. This preference for a fringe outlet over established national broadcasters highlights a growing trend among some politicians to bypass traditional media.

Critics argue that excluding major outlets like the ABC limits voters' access to unbiased information, particularly in regional areas where the ABC is a primary news source. One reporter challenged Hanson, asking if she was "cutting off your nose to spite your face," but Hanson remained firm in her stance.

Comparison of Media Coverage Policies

Key Takeaways from the Announcement

• One Nation has named seven of eight upper house candidates for Victoria.
• Pauline Hanson has explicitly banned ABC and Guardian reporters from press conferences.
• The Age was also excluded from the latest event, though not previously named.
• Rebel News Australia is the preferred alternative media outlet.
• The ban raises concerns about media freedom and democratic accountability.

Implications for Australian Democracy

This move by One Nation is part of a broader pattern of political figures limiting press access to control their message. While parties have the right to choose which events are open, excluding major public broadcasters can undermine the public's right to know.

In regional Victoria, the ABC is often the only source of local political coverage. By banning them, One Nation risks alienating voters who rely on the national broadcaster for balanced reporting. The party's ambition to form government in Victoria seems at odds with its refusal to engage with mainstream media.

FAQ

As the Victorian election approaches, the media ban will likely remain a contentious issue. Voters will have to decide whether One Nation's approach to press freedom aligns with their expectations of democratic transparency.

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