Katherine Deves, known for her unsuccessful federal Liberal campaign and her stance against transgender women competing in women’s sports, will run for the New South Wales Legislative Council under the One Nation banner at the state election next year.
One Nation’s NSW leader, Mike Newman, announced Deves as one of four candidates on Sunday. Newman described the group as “people from the real world” and “not career politicians,” signalling an emphasis on outsiders rather than established political figures.
Deves gained national attention during her federal run for the Liberal Party, where her opposition to transgender women’s participation in women’s sports sparked widespread debate. Her move to One Nation follows her defeat at the federal level.
The NSW election, scheduled for 2027, will see the upper house contested by a range of parties, with One Nation aiming to increase its representation. Newman’s announcement of the four candidates is the party’s latest step in its campaign efforts.
One Nation has often positioned itself as a populist alternative to the major parties in Australia, with a focus on conservative social policies and immigration controls. Deves’ candidacy fits within this framework given her previous campaign focus.
The other three candidates named alongside Deves have not been detailed in the announcement. Newman’s statement that the candidates are “people from the real world” suggests a deliberate move away from political insiders, but further specifics on their backgrounds remain unreported.
Deves’ shift to One Nation could signal a new chapter in her political career following her federal defeat. The party’s NSW leader appears to be banking on candidates with controversial profiles to energise the base and challenge the more established parties.
This development adds to the evolving landscape of the NSW upper house, where minor parties have gained ground in recent elections. Deves’ presence on the One Nation ticket may provoke debate given her previous campaign positions.
The announcement came amid ongoing discussions about the role of minor parties in state politics and their influence on legislative processes. One Nation’s strategy appears to involve recruiting candidates with public profiles capable of drawing media attention and voter interest.
The NSW election next year will test whether the party’s approach resonates with voters beyond its traditional support base. Deves’ candidacy will likely draw scrutiny from opponents and media alike, given her history of contentious views.
One Nation’s broader campaign details, including the other three candidates, have not yet been fully disclosed. Newman’s comments frame the team as outsiders rather than political veterans, positioning them as alternatives to career politicians in the state.
Deves’ candidacy for the NSW upper house under One Nation follows a period of political repositioning after her federal loss and sustained media profile around gender and sport debates. The election will reveal whether this approach translates into electoral support.
According to The Guardian.
