Australia's One Nation party has suffered a setback in public support, with a new poll indicating that its core policies have been rejected by an increasing number of voters. The survey, carried out by The Guardian Essential last week, revealed that the party's primary vote had dropped to 26%, down two points from 28% previously, while the Labor party saw a one-point increase to 30%. The Coalition remained steady at 23%. These shifts, although within the poll's margin of error, are consistent with trends seen in other recent polls.
Key policies facing significant opposition include plans to shut down the public broadcaster SBS, which was rejected by just 11% of respondents. A mere 15% supported privatising the ABC, and only 20% backed ending multiculturalism - a policy advocated by party leader Pauline Hanson. Other proposals, such as withdrawing from the United Nations or reviewing workplace laws to grant employers more power, also fared poorly, with minimal support at 18% each.
Voters have expressed growing concerns about One Nation's suitability for government, with 51% of respondents expressing worry that the party lacks a skilled team. Additionally, half of those surveyed were troubled by its perceived backing from billionaire mining magnate Gina Rinehart. These concerns emerged after intense media scrutiny on Hanson and her party's policy platform.
The poll presents an intriguing paradox: despite widespread rejection of key policies, more than half (52%) of respondents indicated they would consider voting for One Nation or were open to the possibility. This figure surpasses those for both Labor and the Coalition parties. For those considering One Nation, immigration was a primary motivator, followed by perceptions that major parties are not listening and a desire to support a new political figure.
The executive director of Essential Media, Peter Lewis, suggested that this month's poll might indicate a 'plateauing' of One Nation's support. While Hanson continues to enjoy higher net approval ratings than Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Angus Taylor, the widespread rejection of her party's specific policy proposals presents a significant challenge for One Nation ahead of the next election.
Source: The Guardian Essential poll