# One Nation wins Secret Harbour by-election > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/secret-harbour-byelection-political-developments > Updated: 2026-09-09T03:01:52.000Z. Sources: 26. Developments: 8. The Secret Harbour by-election in Western Australia concluded with a historic victory for One Nation, marking the party’s first seat in the Western Australian lower house. Candidate Luke Herdegen secured the seat, capturing 38.9 per cent of the primary vote and 57 per cent of the two-party preferred vote. This represents a significant rise from the party’s 8.43 per cent support in the March 2025 state election. The election, triggered by the retirement of senior minister Paul Papalia, resulted in a sharp decline for the Labor Party, whose primary vote dropped from 46.5 per cent to 24.3 per cent. Premier Roger Cook acknowledged the outcome as a signal that voters are struggling with high living costs, including unaffordable housing, high rents, and stagnant wages. Following the victory, Herdegen suggested that One Nation would aim to form government at the next state election, a claim Premier Cook dismissed as hubris. Liberal leader Basil Zempilas defended his party’s strategy, arguing that Liberal preferences were instrumental in delivering the One Nation win. The result has drawn sharp criticism from federal leaders. Federal Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the party as ‘dangerous’, which prompted One Nation leader Pauline Hanson to accuse the Prime Minister of inciting political violence. Analysts suggest the win reflects a growing populist momentum and a protest against establishment politics that may impact future state and federal elections. In the wake of the political shift, real estate data indicates that median house prices in Secret Harbour reached $1 million in August, a 2.8 per cent increase over the previous month. Following the by-election, One Nation has experienced a significant surge in federal polling. ## Claims - One Nation candidate Luke Herdegen claims federal Labor's immigration management has worsened housing and cost of living issues. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The Secret Harbour byelection was triggered by the resignation of Paul Papalia in July. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The byelection has become a three-way contest between Labor, the Liberals, and One Nation. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Voters in the region have expressed concerns regarding the cost of living, housing, and the promised Karnup train station. (corroborated by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-09: One Nation surges in Australian polls after Secret Harbour byelection One Nation has surged in Australian federal polls, reaching a 30% primary vote in YouGov polling following a major byelection victory in Secret Harbour. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/one-nation-surges-in-australian-polls-after-secret-harbour-byelection ### 2026-09-06: Secret Harbour median house prices reach $1 million Median house prices in Secret Harbour, Western Australia, reached $1 million in August following a 2.8 per cent monthly increase linked to recent political attention from a high-profile byelection. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/secret-harbour-median-house-prices-reach-1-million ### 2026-09-03: One Nation wins Secret Harbour by-election in Western Australia One Nation won the Secret Harbour by-election in Western Australia, securing 57% of the preferred vote and signaling a major protest against Labor amid rising cost-of-living pressures. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/one-nation-wins-secret-harbour-by-election-in-western-australia ### 2026-08-30: One Nation wins historic Western Australian by-election seat One Nation achieved a historic breakthrough in Western Australia, winning the Secret Harbour by-election and securing its first lower-house seat in the state after a major swing against Labor. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/one-nation-wins-historic-seat-in-western-australian-by-election ### 2026-08-29: Secret Harbour by-election: Roger Cook faces potential Labor loss Western Australia Premier Roger Cook expressed concern over the Labor Party potentially losing the Secret Harbour seat during the current by-election, facing a strong challenge from One Nation. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/secret-harbour-by-election-roger-cook-faces-potential-labor-loss ### 2026-08-27: One Nation gains momentum in WA by-election and NSW leadership announcement One Nation is gaining momentum in Australia, facing a pivotal by-election in Western Australia's Secret Harbour and launching a new leadership team for the 2027 NSW state election. 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/one-nation-tipped-to-win-secret-harbour-by-election-in-western-australia ### 2026-08-24: Secret Harbour by-election sees One Nation challenge Labor dominance The Secret Harbour by-election in WA sees One Nation emerging as a major challenger to Labor, while federal MP Luke Gosling faces new charges for allegedly breaching bail conditions. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/secret-harbour-byelection-sees-one-nation-emerge-as-main-challenger ### 2026-08-20: Western Australia political donations surge ahead of Secret Harbour byelection WA Labor has received over $650,000 in donations since July 1, significantly more than the WA Liberals, ahead of the Secret Harbour byelection. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/western-australia-political-donations-surge-ahead-of-secret-harbour-byelection --- Cite as: One Nation wins Secret Harbour by-election. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/secret-harbour-byelection-political-developments