One Nation names four more NSW upper-house contenders before March election

One Nation has announced four more candidates for the NSW Legislative Council, including former federal Liberal candidate Katherine Deves. NSW leader Mike Newman introduced Deves, Arnon Wither, Manti Steele and Daniel Hill on 15 November. They are party-announced contenders; formal nominations and the ballot draw take place closer to the election.

Wither is a Hunter-region construction worker employed as an electorate officer for Senator Sean Bell. Steele is a Dubbo farmer, teacher and mother of eight, while Hill is a south-coast surf lifesaver. Newman presented the group as people with experience outside career politics and said the party intended to contest all 93 lower-house seats. Newman is its announced candidate for Cessnock.

Deves ran unsuccessfully for Warringah in 2022 after selection backed by then prime minister Scott Morrison. Her campaign attracted controversy over comments about transgender people, and she joined One Nation in September. She says she wants changes to state provisions on discrimination, vilification, hate speech and birth certificates, arguing for sex-based language and services. These are her stated political objectives, not enacted changes.

The party has required prospective state candidates to sign confidentiality agreements about their candidacy. Earlier discussion of Deves' plans was referred to the party's media adviser, and previous confirmed names included lead upper-house contender Stuart Bonds and firearms manufacturer Jeff Bacon. Sunday's announcement expands the slate rather than replacing the entire list.

The NSW Electoral Commission lists polling day as Saturday 13 March 2027. Voters will elect 93 members of the Legislative Assembly and 21 of the 42 Legislative Council members. Nominations open on 15 February and close at noon on 24 February, with the ballot draw on 25 February. Party announcements at this stage should therefore be distinguished from the final official candidate list.