Overview
- Liberal Senator James Paterson, who was campaigning in Albury on Wednesday, filmed a debate with a One Nation volunteer that ended when the volunteer grabbed his phone and he called it assault.
- One Nation candidate David Farley posted the raw clips and condemned the aggression, while chief of staff James Ashby first checked on Paterson then later accused him of “rage‑baiting” the volunteer.
- Pauline Hanson initially apologised to Paterson, then reversed course after viewing more footage and pledged to meet and stand by the volunteer.
- The volunteer, identified locally as Allan Beale, told the Border Mail he felt he was “suckered in” by a set‑up and said he had Hanson's support.
- The clash has become a flashpoint in the final days of the Farrer by‑election, with Coalition figures conceding low expectations as polls suggest One Nation could seize the seat and as the party’s new donor backing, including a Rinehart‑gifted plane, boosts its profile.