An Upper Hunter councillor has reversed his decision to join One Nation, intending instead to continue his political career as an independent. Independent councillor and whistleblower advocate Troy Stolz announced on January 2, 2024, that he had applied for membership in One Nation due to frustrations with the major political parties. His discontent was primarily fueled by the support of both the Labor and Liberal parties for recent gun law changes, which he deemed a “knee-jerk” reaction following the Bondi terror attack.
Initially, Stolz expressed his belief that he lacked the necessary resources as an independent to effectively influence political outcomes. He had aimed for pre-selection with One Nation, potentially targeting the New England seat for the 2028 federal election or the Upper Hunter for the 2027 state election. However, just days after his announcement, he disclosed that he had withdrawn his request for membership.
In a statement, Stolz cited discomfort with certain One Nation policies and a lack of alignment with the party’s stance on key issues such as gambling reform and whistleblower protection. “I think the best place for me is as an independent,” he remarked. This decision marks a significant shift for Stolz, who previously ran as an independent candidate against Premier Chris Minns in the 2023 state election.
Stolz criticized the major parties for what he perceives as a departure from democratic principles. He voiced concerns about parliamentary sessions extending until the early hours, which he argued undermines the rights of law-abiding firearm licence holders. “How can this be democracy?” he questioned. He added, “There needs to be weight placed on evidence, data, flowing on from a comprehensive investigation, not a hatchet job to suit Labor’s agenda.”
In response to recent gun law changes, One Nation has also expressed criticism. Barnaby Joyce, the New England MP who recently defected from the National Party, stated, “Finding farmers who love Australia and removing their rifles is not an answer; it is an excuse for being too afraid to deal with the actual problem.”
Before retracting his membership bid, Stolz had indicated optimism regarding One Nation, suggesting the party was gaining traction and resonating with community needs. A spokesperson for One Nation noted that membership has quadrupled since the 2025 federal election, with recent polling by Redbridge/Accent Research indicating national support for the party at 18 percent.
“One of the areas where this support is strongest is in regional NSW,” the spokesperson stated. They highlighted that One Nation has cultivated significant backing among voters in the Hunter Valley, particularly those concerned about the future of the region’s coal industry.
As Troy Stolz moves forward as an independent, he remains committed to advocating for issues he believes are critical, including responsible governance and evidence-based policy-making. His journey reflects broader concerns among constituents who feel disillusioned with traditional party politics in Australia.
