One Nation Scoops Up Liberal Party Donors Ahead of Victorian Election

'A real leaching of donors': One Nation steals a march on Liberal Party's blue blood base

One Nation, the challenger party led by Pauline Hanson, has made a significant grab for donors from the Liberal Party ahead of the Victorian state election. Sources confirm that some of Australia's wealthiest businesspeople, previously loyal to the Liberals, have begun to pledge huge sums to One Nation.

These developers are pushing for key policy areas, including advocacy for repeal of the vacant property tax. Entrepreneurs from successful small-to-medium businesses are also throwing cash at the party in return for strong opposition to small business red tape and the government's work from home policy.

One Nation's federal 'Fire the Liar' campaign targeting Anthony Albanese has already raised $5 million. However, concerns linger over the challenger party's disorganisation, with some fearing it may lose pledged donations and support due to its inefficiencies.

Melbourne's private property developers, who are leading the charge, are expected to pledge hundreds of thousands of dollars to One Nation's state election campaign. These donations are being funnelled through various structures to limit disclosure.

Liberal Party state executive member Colleen Harkin, who recently quit the party and joined One Nation, is seen as a strong prospect. 'All of my campaigns in the past have been self-funded, but I think moving into the future we'll use a new model,' said Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell, One Nation's only current Victorian representative.

Tyrrell represents the Northern Victoria region and believes growing support for the party in regional Victoria will underpin its new financial approach. This approach is expected to use donations to fund campaigns, either fully or in part.

Colleagues within the party have expressed concerns over its ability to manage donations due to its disorganisation. 'There has been a real leaching of donors,' said one source who attended a non-Liberal industry function. 'It's clear that One Nation is now the party of choice for many of these individuals.'

The delay in disclosing donations to One Nation's Victorian arm has raised questions about the source and management of these funds. One Nation is currently without a state leader, any state-based fundraising foundation, and continues to operate out of a small warehouse in Pakenham.

The party is yet to officially endorse its candidates for the November election, instead opting to review the 1200 applications from prospective candidates who have pledged donations to support their selection.

It is worth noting that One Nation's only current Victorian representative, Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell, represents the Northern Victoria region.