‘Come on … sweetheart’: Journalists booted from One Nation event – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Flickr)
The Farrer byelection, scheduled for tomorrow, has already produced an awkward moment for One Nation. Two ABC journalists based in the border region were directed to leave a party event in Albury just as proceedings were about to begin. Video of the exchange quickly circulated, highlighting the friction that can arise when a political movement seeks tighter control over its message in a closely watched contest.
The Exchange Unfolds
A One Nation volunteer approached the reporters and instructed them to exit the venue. One journalist asked whether the order had come from candidate David Farley. The staff member replied that the source did not matter and urged the pair to move along, using the term “sweetheart” in the process. The exchange was recorded by a 9News crew and later shared publicly.
James Ashby, One Nation’s chief of staff, then took over the situation. He confirmed he had issued the directive and suggested the reporters direct any questions to their Canberra headquarters. The journalists responded that they worked from Wodonga and served the immediate local community rather than national editors. Ashby followed them toward the exit, offering a brief “bye-bye to the ABC” as they departed.
Hanson Questions the Decision
After the reporters had left, Pauline Hanson approached Ashby to ask why local ABC staff had been removed. She specifically noted their rural and regional focus. Ashby explained that the journalists reported back to ABC Canberra, prompting Hanson to remark that they should not have been asked to go. The brief exchange was captured on the same footage.
The moment illustrated the internal discussion within the party about how to handle coverage from outlets perceived as aligned with national rather than strictly local interests. Hanson’s apparent surprise suggested the removal had not been cleared at the leadership level in advance.
The Stakes in Farrer
One Nation enters the byelection as the frontrunner to claim the seat long held by the Coalition. Former opposition leader Sussan Ley resigned after representing the electorate since 2001. Both the Liberals and Nationals have nominated candidates, while independent Michelle Milthorpe remains a significant contender after narrowing the margin at the previous federal poll.
The contest is viewed as a test of One Nation’s ability to convert regional discontent into a parliamentary seat. Any perception that the party is limiting access for local media could shape how voters interpret its campaign style in the final hours before polls open.
Media Access in Tight Races
Incidents like this one raise recurring questions about how political parties balance message control with the public’s interest in transparent coverage. Local broadcasters often argue they provide essential scrutiny in regional electorates where national outlets may have less presence. Parties, in turn, sometimes prefer to shape the narrative through sympathetic or controlled channels.
The ABC journalists’ emphasis on serving the immediate community underscored the distinction between national and hyper-local reporting. In a byelection where every vote counts, even brief disputes over access can feed into broader narratives about openness and accountability.
What matters now: With voting less than 24 hours away, the episode offers a window into how One Nation intends to manage its public profile in a seat it hopes to win. Observers will watch whether similar restrictions appear at future events or whether the party adjusts its approach once the result is known.
