SYDNEY — One Nation has formally nominated Katherine Deves as a candidate for the New South Wales Legislative Council, marking a significant strategic pivot for the anti-immigration party ahead of the 2025 state election.

The announcement, made on Sunday by NSW One Nation leader Mike Newman, places Deves among four new contenders for the upper house. Deves is best known to the Australian public for her failed bid to join the federal Liberal Party in the 2024 general election, where she gained national attention for her outspoken campaigns against transgender women’s participation in female sporting events.

For One Nation, aligning with Deves represents a calculated effort to broaden its electoral appeal beyond its traditional base. The party, which has long focused on immigration and economic nationalism, appears to be leveraging Deves’s high-profile status to engage voters who prioritize social and cultural issues. This move signals a dual-track strategy that aims to capture both fiscal conservatives and those engaged in recent gender-debate discourse.

Mike Newman, the party’s NSW leader, emphasized the party’s intent to disrupt the political establishment. He described the selected candidates as “people from the real world” who are distinct from “career politicians,” suggesting that the party intends to position itself as an alternative to the perceived stagnation of the major parties in Canberra and Sydney. The nomination is part of a broader push to ensure One Nation remains relevant in a state where the two major parties have historically dominated the legislature.

Election Strategy and Political Impact

The inclusion of a figure with Deves’s controversial profile carries inherent political risks. While she may energize specific voter demographics, her association with polarizing cultural issues could alienate moderate centrist voters. Analysts note that the NSW Legislative Council election is critical for forming a stable government, often serving as the deciding factor in hung parliaments. One Nation has historically relied on its ability to hold balance-of-power leverage; expanding its visible candidate list is an attempt to solidify that position with a more diverse ideological appeal.

• One Nation has announced four NSW Legislative Council candidates, including former federal Liberal hopeful Katherine Deves.
• NSW leader Mike Newman framed the slate as “people from the real world,” targeting anti-establishment sentiment.
• The move signals a strategic expansion into social and cultural advocacy alongside One Nation’s traditional economic platforms.

As the 2025 NSW election approaches, political observers will monitor whether Deves’s presence boosts One Nation’s polling numbers or creates internal friction within the coalition. The party’s success will depend on its ability to unify disparate voter groups under a single banner without diluting its core messaging on immigration and economic policy. The nomination sets the stage for a contentious campaign, with Deves expected to remain a focal point for opposing parties seeking to highlight cultural divisions.