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ABC News
ABC News
Politics
By Allyson Horn

'They think we're idiots': Why voters are switching to One Nation

Pauline Hanson poses for a photo with a woman on her regional campaign blitz.

Thousands of voters across the state look set to turn their backs on the major parties this election.

Polls suggest One Nation could get its largest share of votes since the 1998 election, where the party won 11 seats.

As Pauline Hanson wraps up her week-long regional campaign blitz, we sat down with some Queenslanders who say they have had enough of conventional politics.

Jason Hepplewhite, Yeppoon, ex-military

"I always voted Labor, but now I feel like they've sold us out," he said.

"I feel like they're controlled by big business, they really don't have our interests in mind — they don't care.

"I've lost faith in the Labor and Liberal parties because everything seems to pour into Brisbane in Queensland and there's so many people doing it tough up here — it's almost like they're corrupt.

"To be honest there's not one political party that I'm 100 per cent behind.

"But 90 per cent of stuff that comes with One Nation is stuff we support, we believe in.

"I don't feel so neglected.

"I don't know who the local candidate is, but I'll still vote for One Nation."

Connie Crabb, Gladstone, unemployed

"The other mob aren't worried about us, they're just worried about themselves. I'd rather go with Pauline Hanson and give someone else a go," she said.

"We need a big change, a big shake-up.

"The big parties aren't looking after people in the country, they're just doing things for the big cities.

"They don't care — or at least until it's an election.

"She [Pauline Hanson] says what a lot of Australians are thinking and isn't afraid to speak her mind … all the rest of them beat around the bush and are too scared to say what they think.

"I don't know who my local One Nation candidate is, but I will by the time voting comes. We need someone to get in there and talk for us regional mob."

Craig Williams, Rockhampton, railway worker

"I used to be Labor voter and I changed to One Nation about three years ago," he said.

"There's too much rubbish with Labor and the Liberals and I'm sick of the junk.

"It's the lies — you always feel like they're corrupt and keeping secrets.

"They think we're idiots. We need a change.

"It's just too politically correct, I feel like I'm getting victimised for my views.

"Pauline Hanson also speaks the truth and she gets punished for it.

"I think there's a bit of Pauline in me.

"We need people who will speak the truth — the major parties aren't allowed to.

"I would never know who my local candidate is, I don't look twice. But I will still vote One Nation. Most of my mates are too."

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