One Nation takes at least one SA seat as Liberals face ‘sobering lessons’

One Nation will win at least one South Australian lower house seat and was leading in several others after Saturday’s election, as the Liberals grappled with a heavy defeat to Labor. The party was ahead in Ngadjuri, where Adelaide Plains council deputy mayor David Paton was expected to claim the seat, and was well placed in Hammond on a two-candidate count.

One Nation was also ahead in Narungga and Mackillop and remained in contention in Stuart and Light. With about 60% of ballots counted, Labor had 38% of primary votes, down 2%. One Nation’s vote surged to 22%, a 19.4% swing, while the Liberals trailed with 19%, down 16%.

The Liberals had secured just four seats by Sunday evening and were in contention in four others. “The Liberal party has got a lot of work to do to rebuild the trust of Australians,” federal shadow health minister Anne Ruston said. “We just haven’t been telling our story very well.” She added the party should look to govern from the centre.

Australia, South Australia

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