One Nation launches Victorian election campaign with crime focus

One Nation has launched its Victorian state election campaign with a focus on crime and bail reform. At a campaign launch held at Melbourne’s Crown conference centre, Victorian state president Warren Pickering and federal leader Pauline Hanson were joined by over 750 supporters.

The party’s platform includes promises to increase police presence on the streets, man empty police stations, and implement harsher bail laws and sentencing. These policies address concerns highlighted in a Mood of the Nation report by SEC Newgate, which found that one in three Victorians rank crime as a top issue.

The event was met with protests from activists organized by Unite Against Racism, a coalition of anti-racist, pro-refugee, and pro-Palestinian groups. A larger rally against the party is scheduled for later in October.