‘Cash grab’: One Nation demands up to $630,000 from Victorian election candidates
News Source
•Sun, 27 Sep 2026 00:46:02 GMT
📰 What Happened
One Nation is asking people who want to run in Victoria's state election to pay fees. Applicants pay a $150 fee that is not refunded. Final candidates must pay more, up to roughly $5,000 each.
The party said 1,209 people showed interest and about 220 reached the final stage. Campaign fees could bring in up to $633,000. Several former councillors and mayors say the process felt like 'pay to play'.
Some applicants say the process left them feeling 'used, lied to, misled and gaslit'. Upper house candidates are also said to have been picked by the state leader, Warren Pickering.
🔍 The Backstory
Victoria holds its state election in November. One Nation has grown in the polls and could win several seats. Good polling also means it may get millions in public election funding.
Most parties charge candidates some costs, but experts say a large campaign fee is unusual. Aidan McLindon, who worked with the party in Victoria, called it a money-making exercise.
Several applicants signed non-disclosure agreements and had short video interviews before decisions were made.
🎯 Why It Matters
Payments like these can shut out ordinary people who want to stand for office. Voters should know who gets to run and who pays for the campaign.
One Nation is asking people who want to run in Victoria's state election to pay fees. Applicants pay a $150 fee that is not refunded. Final candidates must pay more, up to roughly $5,000 each.
The party said 1,209 people showed interest and about 220 reached the final stage. Campaign fees could bring in up to $633,000. Several former councillors and mayors say the process felt like 'pay to play'.
Some applicants say the process left them feeling 'used, lied to, misled and gaslit'. Upper house candidates are also said to have been picked by the state leader, Warren Pickering.
Victoria holds its state election in November. One Nation has grown in the polls and could win several seats. Good polling also means it may get millions in public election funding.
Most parties charge candidates some costs, but experts say a large campaign fee is unusual. Aidan McLindon, who worked with the party in Victoria, called it a money-making exercise.
Several applicants signed non-disclosure agreements and had short video interviews before decisions were made.
Payments like these can shut out ordinary people who want to stand for office. Voters should know who gets to run and who pays for the campaign.