One Nation has solidified its commitment to western Sydney ahead of the Federal Election as it fields two local candidates.
The at times controversial party has selected locals Chris Buckley to run for the federal seat of Lindsay and Matthew Jacobson to run in Macquarie after previously fielding a ‘ghost candidate’ in the 2022 Federal Election who reportedly resided in Tasmania.
Buckley has lived in Glenmore Park for over two decades and felt it was time to try to make a difference in his community.
“Lindsay and Macquarie have never had an actual sitting [One Nation] member or candidate who lives in the area … if we all do nothing then nothing is going to change,” Buckley said.
“That’s why I put my name forward and doing what I’m doing. I’m just a simple bloke who works a 9-5 job and has lived in the area for 20 years and wants to see some positive change for everyone in the community. I just can’t see it going in the direction its going. It’s not good for anybody.”
Jacobson, originally from the United States, emigrated to Australia over three decades ago and has spent his time working in the school system and served in the military.
“When I got to the end of the process with my permanent residency here in Australia I got a beautiful letter from… the Immigration Minister at the time and it was just put together so nicely about how we come from diverse backgrounds but we’re all one nation and we would love to have you step out from being a resident and invite you to be a citizen,” Jacobson said.
“It was such a proud moment for me… I’m really passionate about my country and my fellow citizens and I have to say over my 30 years of living in this country, I’ve never seen Australia in a more unstable state than I do now.”
In preparing for the 2025 Federal Election, One Nation has been working to ensure they have policies that will “benefit all Australians”.
“One Nation has spent six years planning this election with policies,” Buckley said.
“They’ve also got $40 billion of savings… which is going to be massive in putting money back into Australian people’s pockets as well.
“There is a lot going on and people need to take the time to have a look at the policies instead of just thinking the stereotype of One Nation. Take the time to jump on the website and have a look at the policies.”
One of the major policies for the party will be to limit the number of immigrants allowed into the country each year if elected, Jacobson explained.
“When I arrived in Australia in 1997 during that year they allowed 76,000 people into the country. That wasn’t because it was a racist agenda or anything along those lines. It’s just because people used common sense economics,” Jacobson said.
“Can we educate, house and medically treat all these people or support them while they’re not able to get work? Over the last two years Labor let in one million.
“It’s not a matter of racism or being cold hearted. It’s just people are paying into the system and we need to look after those people first.
“If One Nation gets in, they’re going to pull back on immigration, which is going to be a huge relief.
“They’re going to be putting more tax dollars into people’s pockets and the thing is the number one biggest contributor to rising house prices is immigration.
“It all has to do with supply and demand.”
Not shying away from the past controversy of their party both Buckley and Jacobson said it is important to look into the party values before casting perceptions.
“If you listen to the mainstream media for 30 years, they have all said the same thing and for 30 years no one has been able to explain why they say [it],” Buckley said.
“If you look into it, you will see the cliché of Pauline Hanson is not what the mainstream media want you to think.
“That woman is as tough as nails, she fights for Australia, and she loves Australians. She is all about Australia… and that’s me. I’m about my family, my community and my country. That’s why I’m here, I’m trying to make a change and make a difference.”
The Federal Election will be held on Saturday, May 3.
Emily Chate
Emily Chate joined The Western Weekender in 2024, and covers local news - primarily courts and politics. A graduate of the University of Wollongong, Emily has contributed to The Daily Telegraph and worked as a freelance journalist.