"I have met [Ms Hanson] on a number of occasions over the years and I think she is a strong leader, very charismatic. I am also very impressed with [One Nation's recently elected NSW Senator] Mark Latham, he is a very intelligent man," the Port Stephens-based candidate said.

"I know many people classify One Nation as far right but that's not entirely true. I think you will find that many One Nation supporters are old Labor Party members who have left the party because of their left leanings."

A fitter/machinist in the mines who also has a business diploma, Mr Turner said that he was a strong supporter of the coal industry and Tomago Aluminium which needs access to affordable power.

"Take coal out of the Hunter and it will become a ghost town," he added.

Mr Tuner, who is married with two children, moved to Raymond Terrace nine years ago for family reasons.

This is his fourth tilt at a seat in parliament.

"I previously ran twice in the federal seat of Riverina, polling between 4 and 5 per cent against a very strong National Party member. In the recent state election I stood for the Maitland seat and polled 10.9 per cent."

Mr Turner said roads and infrastructure were hugely important issues for the people of Paterson.

"I would like to see a rail link between Hexham and Nelson Bay via Raymond Terrace and Medowie," he said.

"We have the technology to support driverless vehicles yet the public transport in Port Stephens, where there are a lot of elderly people who rely on them, is terrible.

"I will also be fighting for the victims of the PFAS contamination. I think it is shocking that they have been hung out to dry by the government. We would support Australian jobs first."