The Paul Stafford BBQ in Frankston offered residents free smoked sausages, bottled water and an opportunity to meet One Nation’s local candidate ahead of the Victorian state election.
Held on Thursday 22 October, with temperatures approaching 30 degrees, the event saw Stafford and his campaign team speaking directly with residents about local concerns.
Passing motorists also showed their enthusiasm, with numerous drivers sounding their horns and some winding down their windows to cheer.
Meeting Paul Stafford
Among those attending was Graham, a Frankston resident and small business owner who spoke with STPL News about his impressions of Stafford.
“He’s willing to listen, willing to engage with the community, willing to hear what small business has to say,” Graham said.
He said those qualities were particularly important to him as a business owner, adding that he had not observed the same level of engagement from many other candidates.
Small Business Support
Stafford said he had been surprised by the number of small business owners expressing support for his campaign, although many preferred to do so privately.
With a background in hospitality and business, Stafford has identified rising operating costs, energy prices and government regulation as major concerns.
He argues that reducing financial pressures on businesses would encourage investment, expansion and employment.
Stafford’s Pitch: A Different Approach To Government
Stafford says Frankston needs stronger representation and a political alternative to Labor and the Liberals.
“We need to be the disruptor,” he told STPL News during an earlier interview.
His priorities include community safety, better-resourced frontline police and emergency services, lower business costs and more affordable energy.
Stafford has also called for less bureaucracy and greater accountability in government spending.
“I think we need to focus on back to basics. I think we need to focus on common sense,” he said.
As a Frankston resident, father and business owner, Stafford says his motivation is to improve the community he calls home.
“I want Frankston to be better.”
Frankston Heads To The Polls
Stafford is contesting the seat of Frankston for One Nation at the Victorian state election on Saturday 28 November 2026.
The electorate is currently held by Labor MP Paul Edbrooke.
With the election approaching, Stafford and his campaign team are continuing to engage with residents and outline their priorities.
Thursday’s BBQ provided another opportunity for those conversations, bringing local politics into an informal community setting.
More information about Stafford and his campaign is available through One Nation Victoria.
Political Advertising Disclosure: This is a paid political feature published by STPL News on behalf of Paul Stafford’s election campaign.
Authorised by: W. Pickering, One Nation. 8 Prompt Lane, Pakenham VIC 3810
