Shepparton businessman Steve Threlfall has announced his intention to seek endorsement from Pauline Hanson’s One Nation for the upcoming Victorian state election, marking a move from local community involvement into state-level politics.
Threlfall is well known in the Greater Shepparton region through his business activities and involvement in local organisations. He owns outdoor retail businesses and has previously been involved with community groups connected to recreational activities, fishing and outdoor industries.
The move follows Threlfall’s earlier decision to enter local politics, when he announced his candidacy for the Greater Shepparton City Council election. At that time, he said he wanted to focus on issues including community representation, recreational activities, tourism and local management concerns.
Seeking a One Nation endorsement would position Threlfall as part of the party’s broader push to attract candidates with strong regional connections. One Nation has increased its focus on regional electorates and has recently highlighted support from voters looking for alternatives to the major political parties.
Threlfall’s background includes decades of experience operating businesses and engaging with local communities. He has previously said his work in retail has helped him understand community concerns because of regular interactions with customers and residents.
Regional issues are expected to be central to his potential campaign, with topics such as agriculture, water management, recreational access, regional development and cost-of-living pressures among issues frequently raised by communities across northern Victoria.
The decision to seek endorsement comes as minor parties continue to gain attention in Australian politics. One Nation has recently experienced electoral success in regional areas, including a significant result in the federal Farrer by-election, where the party won a seat previously held by the Coalition.
Political observers say regional communities have become increasingly important battlegrounds, with voters often focused on local representation and practical issues affecting everyday life. Candidates with strong community profiles can play an important role in connecting political parties with regional voters.
Threlfall has also been involved in several community and industry organisations, including groups associated with fishing, environmental water management and outdoor recreation. His experience in these areas has shaped his public profile and policy interests.
If endorsed, Threlfall would join One Nation’s Victorian election campaign team and compete against candidates from major parties and other political groups. The final outcome will depend on electorate boundaries, candidate selections and voter preferences at the state election.
The move represents a significant step for Threlfall, transitioning from community advocacy and business leadership into a formal political campaign. His supporters say his local experience gives him a strong understanding of regional concerns, while critics will examine how his policies align with the broader One Nation platform.
The announcement highlights the continuing role of regional candidates in Victorian politics and the growing competition among parties seeking support outside Melbourne.
