One Nation Wins First Australian Lower House Seat
One Nation won a seat in Australia's lower house for the first time. David Farley won the Farrer byelection in New South Wales on Saturday night.
One Nation is a party that opposes immigration and has grown in popularity in Australia. The seat became available after Sussan Ley resigned.
Ley had led the Liberal party and held the seat for 25 years. Independent candidate Michelle Milthorpe lost the byelection.
Support for the Coalition collapsed in Farrer. There was a swing of over 35% toward One Nation and 32% against the Liberals. The seat had been held by the Liberal or National party since 1949.
Klear Note — One Nation opposes immigration and has grown popular in Australia. Australia's lower house is the main parliament chamber. Byelections happen when a seat becomes empty before the next regular election.
Key Terms 5
- byelection A vote held to fill one empty seat between general elections
- One Nation An Australian party that opposes immigration and has populist policies
- Coalition An alliance of Australia's Liberal and National parties
- swing A shift in the share of votes from one party to another
- lower house The main chamber of Australia's parliament where laws are made