Meet the Ex-Liberal Couple Crafting One Nation’s Campaign Strategy

The recent hire of Mark and Shani Jones by One Nation to lead its campaign strategy in New South Wales and Victoria raises more questions than answers about the party’s reputation. The couple, who have extensive experience within the Liberal Party, has made a significant move from royal blue to orange.

Mark Jones ran for office as a Liberal and worked as deputy chief of staff to arts minister Don Harwin, giving him a deep understanding of the party’s inner workings. His wife Shani was a Young Liberals director and media advisor to the NRMA, connections that don’t scream “independent” or “above reproach.” Their consulting firm, Camelot Consulting, has already racked up significant debts from One Nation – more than $150,000 owed in connection with the party’s South Australian election campaign.

This development is worrying for those concerned about the influence of money in politics. It’s hard not to wonder what other strings might be attached. The Joneses’ decision to leave their Liberal roots behind may be seen as a pragmatic move, but it raises questions about accountability and transparency.

Shani Jones has past experience working on laws to criminalize coercive control, which makes her involvement in One Nation’s campaign particularly jarring. Given leader Mark Latham’s soft stance on domestic violence, does Shani truly believe the party’s rhetoric on the issue? Or is she caught up in the pursuit of power and influence?

The Victorian state election approaches in November, with the NSW poll next March. It will be fascinating to see how One Nation’s campaign strategy unfolds under the Joneses’ leadership. They bring a level of experience and expertise that sets them apart from typical outsider candidates. But what does their involvement say about the state of Australian politics today?