One Nation claims seat of Mackillop, its third in South Australia's lower house

Lead

One Nation has clinched the South Australian seat of MacKillop, securing its third seat in the state's lower house, according to projections by the ABC. The win marks a significant upset in a region long considered a Liberal Party stronghold, underscoring a broader shift in voter sentiment at the March 21 election.

Jason Virgo, a City of Mount Gambier councillor, emerged as the victor in a tightly contested race against Liberal candidate Rebekah Rosser, who conceded defeat on Monday, more than a week after polls closed. The seat had been held by Liberal-turned-independent Nick McBride, who is currently facing assault charges.

Coverage Comparison

Coverage of the result has centered on the symbolic nature of the win, with the ABC describing MacKillop as "blue-ribbon territory" for the Liberals. One article framed the victory as "emblematic" of the voting shift that characterized the state election, noting the seat's transition from the Liberal Party's safest seat to One Nation's hands.

Both articles highlighted Virgo's background, including his previous membership in the Australian Labor Party and the Australian Sex Party, as well as his work in the security industry and immigration detention on Christmas Island. The ABC also noted that One Nation has declined interview requests from the broadcaster due to a pre-election dispute, limiting public insight into Virgo's plans for the electorate.

Key Claims

• One Nation won the seat of MacKillop in South Australia's state election, as projected by the ABC.
• Jason Virgo is the winning candidate for One Nation, defeating Liberal candidate Rebekah Rosser.
• The seat was previously held by Nick McBride, who ran as an independent after leaving the Liberal Party and is facing charges of assault, a claim carried by a single outlet and not yet independently verified.
• Virgo was previously a member of the Australian Labor Party and the Australian Sex Party, as reported by the ABC.
• One Nation is in dispute with the ABC and has declined interview requests with winning candidates, including Virgo.
• Virgo has stated he is focused on the needs of MacKillop, saying the electorate has been "taken for granted for too long."

Perspectives

Political scientist Dominic O'Sullivan of Charles Sturt University commented that One Nation's first challenge will be to maintain a united front in parliament. His remarks, reported by the ABC, suggest that internal cohesion will be critical for the party as it expands its presence in the state legislature.

Virgo, speaking at a press conference the ABC was barred from, addressed his past party memberships, attributing them to his youth and emphasizing his current focus on local issues. "I was a teenager," he said. "We grow up, we learn new things, we change our views as we age."

The Liberal candidate Rebekah Rosser, in a social media post, thanked voters and noted that "our level of engagement reflects a community that cares deeply about its future." Her concession came after a close result, reflecting the competitive nature of the contest.

As One Nation celebrates its gains, the party remains ahead in the seat of Narungga on the Yorke Peninsula, the only other seat still in doubt. If confirmed, it would give One Nation four seats in the lower house, further reshaping the state's political landscape.