Pauline Hanson's Ballarat visit sparked protests as One Nation support surges
Pauline Hanson held a One Nation campaign event in Ballarat on Sunday. She faced organized protests and a hoax emergency call.
Hanson held a meet-and-greet at Ballarat's Golden City Hotel on October 4, just hours after One Nation's Victorian branch launched its state election campaign. Protesters gathered outside chanting 'migrants are welcome, racists are not' while supporters yelled back from the balcony.
Police secured Hanson's entry through a back laneway to prevent clashes. Firefighters were called around 7:40pm in what may have been a hoax call.
Earlier Sunday, One Nation candidate Christopher Burson debated with candidates for the seat of Ripon. Hanson's visit comes as polling from The Courier shows One Nation support in Ballarat has grown.
It went from only 2 per cent of readers in 2022 to 19 per cent who would vote for the party today.
- October 4
- Hanson's visit date
- 2 per cent to 19 per cent
- Support growth in Ballarat
- Golden City Hotel
- Venue location
- 7.40pm
- Emergency call time
Why it mattersOne Nation is gaining ground in a regional town where it was nearly non-existent two years ago. This shows a shifting political landscape ahead of the Victorian election.
AustraliaOne Nation is gaining ground in regional Victoria, a sign the party is expanding beyond its traditional base and could influence state election outcomes.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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