One Nation wins big in Farrer, and Australian Fashion Week begins

This episode of Squiz Today covers a range of major national and international stories, beginning with a landmark political victory for Pauline Hanson's One Nation party in the federal by-election in Farrah, marking their first-ever lower house seat. The win underscores a broader collapse in the Liberal Party's support, with the coalition's vote plummeting to just 12%—a dramatic drop from the previous year—raising questions about future electoral alliances. The episode also highlights a parallel rise in populist movements, noting Nigel Farage’s Reform UK Party gaining significant ground in UK local elections, potentially challenging the dominance of Labour and Conservative parties. On the health front, the Hantavirus outbreak on the cruise ship MV Hondias has led to the evacuation of passengers, including Australians and a Kiwi, though health officials stress the risk to the public remains low and this is not comparable to COVID-19. Meanwhile, Australian Fashion Week kicks off in Sydney, now relocated to the Museum of Contemporary Art, with a spotlight on Bear Park, the new corporate fashion partner of ComBank. Founder Bella Pereira discusses the brand’s mission of timeless, functional, and confident workwear, and previews Bear Park’s show at the Sydney Opera House as part of the pre-fall 2026 collection. The episode closes with a preview of the Women’s A-League Grand Final, featuring New Zealand’s Wellington Phoenix in their first-ever appearance, and sets the stage for the upcoming federal budget announcements.