Pauline Hanson has made her 'major announcement': James Ashby, her chief of staff, will stand as a candidate in next year's Queensland state election.
Mr Ashby, who will run for the seat of Keppel, would bring a wealth of high-level parliamentary and political experience to the Queensland Parliament, Senator Hanson said in a statement on Friday.
“He is passionate about supporting Central Queensland communities and tackling the many issues created by the neglect and incompetence of the Palaszczuk Labor government,” she said.
Pauline Hanson teased an “important announcement” on Friday. it covers the Queensland state elections
Mr Ashby is a close advisor to Senator Hanson
Mr Ashby said Queensland faces the prospect of a Labor government “held hostage by the inner-city Greens”, or a change of government backed by One Nation MPs committed to representing the interests of regional communities.
“The Nationals are dead in the Queensland parliament, while the Liberals are moving further to the left in their attempts to secure seats in inner Brisbane,” he said.
“With the support of Keppel voters, I will work on the policies needed to reduce pressure on the cost of living, improve housing availability and affordability, tackle youth crime and restore a long-term vision for Queensland. '
It comes at a time when Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk's leadership is under increasing pressure as she runs for a fourth term in government.
A YouGov poll last week showed she is no longer the favored prime minister.
The Liberal National Party's lead over Labor was 52-48 per cent, with Palaszczuk's net satisfaction score now at minus 20.
Ms Hanson gave a fiery speech in Federal Parliament last week about why many Australians voted against Indigenous Voice in Parliament.