Katherine Deves among four NSW upper house candidates revealed by One Nation

Former federal Liberal candidate Katherine Deves is set to run for One Nation at the upcoming New South Wales election, joining a slate of upper house contenders unveiled by the party on Sunday. Deves, who previously campaigned to exclude transgender women from female sports and was handpicked by former prime minister Scott Morrison for the seat of Warringah in 2022, was announced alongside three other legislative council candidates by NSW party leader Mike Newman.

The additional candidates revealed by the party include Arnon Wither, a construction worker and electorate officer from the Hunter region; Manti Steele, a farmer, teacher, and mother of eight from Dubbo; and Daniel Hill, a surf lifesaver from the southern coast of the state. Newman described the group as authentic individuals coming from the real world rather than functioning as career politicians. He stated that the party aims to attract people who understand everyday economic challenges, including business operations, cash flow, and cost-of-living pressures.

Katherine Deves joins One Nation

Reflecting on her decision to join the party in September, Deves stated that she wanted to participate in the restoration and recovery of the nation amid escalating costs for housing, energy, and fuel. She also criticized government policies regarding net zero and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. If successfully elected to the state parliament, Deves indicated an intention to pursue legislative changes concerning state laws on hate speech, discrimination, birth certificates, and the protection of biological sex definitions in public spaces and sporting categories.

Former Liberal candidate Katherine Deves is contesting a New South Wales upper house seat for One Nation.

One Nation has faced internal requirements forcing state election candidates to sign non-disclosure agreements regarding potential runs. While Newman is currently the sole confirmed lower house candidate for the party in the seat of Cessnock, he confirmed plans to contest all 93 lower house positions across New South Wales. Previous reports and party statements over recent months had already pointed toward Deves securing a position as a lead candidate for the upper house.

Why it matters

The inclusion of high-profile figures like Katherine Deves highlights One Nation's strategy to contest multiple seats with candidates positioned outside traditional political backgrounds ahead of the New South Wales election. This development shapes the state's political landscape regarding debates on social policy, gender definitions, and economic pressures.