One Nation Names Victorian Candidates as Hanson Bars ABC 2026

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

One Nation’s Victorian Election Strategy

One Nation announced eight candidates to lead its upper house tickets across Victoria. The party aims to increase its presence in the state, with a focus on regional areas where it believes it can gain traction.

Warren Pickering, One Nation’s Victorian president, said the party welcomes scrutiny of its candidates and policies. However, the exclusion of major media outlets raises questions about accountability.

Media Ban: ABC and Guardian Excluded

Reporters from the ABC and the Age were reportedly refused entry to Hanson’s press conference on Monday. The Guardian and ABC were not told the event’s time or location in advance. Hanson justified the ban, saying she is “not putting up with the spin” and accused these outlets of treating her party unfairly.

When asked about democracy and media access, Hanson replied: “Democracy doesn’t happen on the ABC at all.” She also welcomed Rebel News Australia, a self-styled independent outlet, as an alternative.

Comparison of Media Access Policies

Key Takeaways

• One Nation has named eight Victorian upper house candidates.
• Pauline Hanson has banned ABC and Guardian from press conferences.
• The party previously excluded these outlets, citing biased coverage.
• Rebel News Australia is welcomed as an alternative media source.
• Debate continues over media access in Australian democracy.

Implications for Democracy and Media

This situation highlights the tension between political parties and the media. While parties can choose who to engage with, excluding major broadcasters may limit public access to information, especially in regional areas where the ABC is a primary news source.

Hanson’s stance could influence how other parties handle media relations. It also raises questions about the role of independent outlets like Rebel News in filling the gap.

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