Why voters are turning from Labor and the Coalition to Pauline Hanson’s One Nation

OTN Bangla Desk: Cost-of-living pressures, housing affordability and concerns about immigration are driving some Australian voters away from Labor and the Liberal–National Coalition towards Pauline Hanson’s One Nation, according to research reported by News24.com.au.

The findings also suggest that Hanson’s direct communication style appeals to voters who see major-party politicians as overly cautious and reliant on scripted answers. However, doubts about One Nation’s policies and ability to govern raise questions about whether its support will withstand an election campaign.

The research, described by News24 as major-party research obtained by the outlet, examined why voters were switching to One Nation and why they were reluctant to return to Labor or the Coalition.

A Queensland woman who participated said she had not expected to become a One Nation supporter but had gradually changed her position. She believed the party concentrated on the issues that mattered to her rather than attacking political opponents.

A participant from New South Wales described his support as a protest against the major parties’ failure to address significant concerns.

The findings suggest that One Nation’s appeal extends beyond individual policies. For some participants, Hanson’s perceived authenticity was an important factor in their support.

Protest support comes with doubts

Despite that appeal, some participants viewed One Nation primarily as a vehicle for expressing frustration rather than a credible alternative government.

One NSW participant believed the party could challenge the political establishment but questioned whether it offered practical solutions. Another expressed doubts about the depth of Hanson’s policies and her experience in government.

A South Australian woman similarly indicated that, although One Nation offered a way to protest against the major parties, she remained uncertain about what the party would do in power.

These responses highlight a challenge for One Nation: converting dissatisfaction with established parties into lasting confidence in its own ability to govern.

Retirement savings proposal draws concern

One policy that attracted criticism was a proposal to allow workers to access money from their superannuation over a three-year period.

Some participants worried that the immediate financial benefit could come at the expense of retirement security.

A NSW woman expressed concern that lower superannuation balances, combined with an ageing population, could increase retirees’ reliance on government support.

A Queensland participant regarded the proposal as a short-term political response that would not address the underlying causes of household financial pressure.

One Nation leads on primary support

The latest News24 Pulse/YouGov poll cited in the report placed One Nation’s primary support at 27 per cent, ahead of Labor on 24 per cent and the Coalition on 23 per cent.

One Nation and Labor each fell one percentage point, while the Coalition gained two points. The Greens slipped one point to 14 per cent. Independents and other parties accounted for a combined 10 per cent, with Community Strong on 2 per cent.

On a two-party-preferred basis, Labor and the Coalition were tied at 50 per cent each, leaving neither side with a clear advantage.

Primary-vote support does not directly determine who forms government in Australia. Results in individual seats and the distribution of preferences remain crucial.

According to the supplied News24 report, YouGov director of public data Paul Smith said Labor’s result reflected a substantial loss of support among working-class voters. The report put Labor’s support among those voters at 20 per cent.

For One Nation, the central question is whether voters who currently see the party as a means of protest will continue to support it when its policies and candidates face closer scrutiny.

Its ability to offer convincing answers on household finances, housing and retirement security could prove critical to turning polling strength into sustained electoral support.

Source: News24.com.au