A banner along the Pacific Highway speaks volumes about why some communities are turning to One Nation

‘Centrelink is evil’ isn’t a call to slash welfare payments – it’s a sign people are frustrated about the ability to access government support The drive north from Sydney along the Pacific Highway is lined with towns that are potentially prey for One Nation. For years, handmade roadside signs disputed climate change and objected to the voice to parliament referendum. The signs have given way near Port Macquarie to what can best be described as a homemade installation. It is a tribute to Ben Roberts-Smith, One Nation and a foundation that declares Fire the Liars. A plinth is topped by the Australian flag – “Great Britain by night” as Jerry Seinfeld once described it.

A banner strung between trees hints at one of the grievances fuelling disappointment and anger in these communities. It says: CENTRELINK IS EVIL. The electorate of Cowper, bookended by Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour, is one of the “least resilient” communities in Australia, according to a Redbridge survey. If you didn’t know this, you may think the banner was a protest against social security payments. After all, the One Nation promise to slash government spending would not, if realised, leave welfare payments untouched. Instead,