First One Nation MP elected under the party’s own banner takes seat in the House of Representatives
Australian politics marked a historic milestone today as David Farley was officially sworn in as a member of the House of Representatives following his victory in the recent Farrer by-election.
For the first time in its history, Pauline Hanson’s One Nation has successfully elected a representative to the lower house of Federal Parliament under the party’s own banner, a significant achievement that highlights the party’s growing political influence across Australia.
Sworn in at Parliament House
Farley took the official oath of office before taking his seat in the House of Representatives, joining fellow MPs in Canberra as Parliament resumed.
Following the ceremony, he was congratulated by a number of colleagues from across the political spectrum. Several Coalition MPs were seen shaking his hand, along with independent MP Dai Le.
Watching from the public gallery was One Nation leader Pauline Hanson, accompanied by fellow senators Malcolm Roberts, Sean Bell and Tyron Whitten.
Farley took his place alongside One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce, further strengthening the party’s presence in the federal parliament.
A Landmark Victory
Farley’s election in the rural New South Wales electorate of Farrer has been widely viewed as a major political breakthrough for One Nation.
The seat was previously held by former Opposition Leader Sussan Ley and had long been considered conservative territory.
Political analysts described the by-election as an important test of One Nation’s recent surge in support, with the party performing strongly in opinion polls amid growing voter concerns over the cost of living, immigration, energy policy and regional development.
The result suggests that One Nation is increasingly attracting support from voters who feel disconnected from both the Albanese Labor Government and the Liberal-National Coalition.
A Milestone for Pauline Hanson
The victory carries particular significance for Pauline Hanson.
Although Hanson was elected to the House of Representatives in 1996, her name appeared on the ballot paper as a Liberal Party candidate before her split with the party and the subsequent creation of One Nation.
Likewise, Barnaby Joyce was originally elected as a Nationals politician before later aligning with One Nation.
Farley’s election therefore represents the first time Australians have elected a One Nation candidate directly to the House of Representatives under the party’s official banner.
What Happens Next?
While One Nation remains far from forming government, Farley’s arrival in the lower house provides the party with an important new platform to influence national debate.
Issues such as cost-of-living pressures, housing affordability, immigration, regional infrastructure and energy policy are expected to remain key priorities for the party.
Political observers will now be watching closely to see whether this breakthrough can be translated into broader electoral success at future federal elections.
For One Nation, the swearing-in of David Farley is more than just another parliamentary seat — it is a symbolic moment that reflects the party’s evolution from protest movement to an increasingly significant force in Australian politics.
