The Rise of One Nation: A Political Earthquake or a Temporary Tremor?
There’s something deeply unsettling—and yet, oddly fascinating—about the sudden surge of Pauline Hanson’s One Nation in Australian politics. When I first saw the Newspoll numbers showing One Nation at 31% primary support, my initial reaction was disbelief. How did we get here? And more importantly, what does it say about the state of our political landscape?
From my perspective, the rise of One Nation isn’t just a blip on the radar—it’s a symptom of something much larger. It’s the political equivalent of a fever: a sign that the body politic is fighting off an infection. But what’s the infection? Frustration. Disillusionment. A sense that the major parties are out of touch.
Why One Nation’s Surge Matters
What makes this particularly fascinating is the way One Nation has tapped into a vein of discontent that neither Labor nor the Coalition seems able to address. Their policies—curbing immigration, boosting coal and gas, and embracing economic nationalism—aren’t exactly groundbreaking. But they’re simple, they’re clear, and they resonate with people who feel left behind.
Personally, I think the major parties have underestimated the depth of this frustration. When Basil Zempilas, Western Australia’s Opposition Leader, says he’s open to working with One Nation, he’s not just being pragmatic—he’s acknowledging a reality that many politicians are still in denial about. Ignoring One Nation, as he rightly points out, would be ignoring the will of a significant portion of the electorate.
But here’s the thing: engaging with One Nation isn’t without risks. It’s a high-wire act. On one hand, it could help the Liberals tap into a growing voter base. On the other, it could alienate moderate voters and tarnish the party’s brand. What many people don’t realize is that this isn’t just about policy—it’s about identity. One Nation represents a brand of populism that challenges the very foundations of mainstream politics.
The Frustration Economy
If you take a step back and think about it, One Nation’s rise is as much about emotion as it is about policy. People aren’t just voting for lower immigration or more coal—they’re voting out of anger. They’re working hard, but they’re not getting ahead. Housing is unaffordable, healthcare is strained, and the cost of living is through the roof.
This raises a deeper question: are the major parties even capable of addressing these issues? Labor’s Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti calls Zempilas’s comments a “sign of desperation,” but I’d argue that desperation is exactly what’s driving One Nation’s support. When people feel desperate, they’re willing to take risks—even if it means backing a party with a controversial track record.
The Political Tightrope
One thing that immediately stands out is Zempilas’s willingness to preference One Nation above Labor in some electorates. It’s a bold move, and it’s already sparking backlash. But what this really suggests is that the old rules of politics are breaking down. The two-party system is under strain, and minor parties are filling the void.
In my opinion, this is both an opportunity and a danger. On the one hand, it forces the major parties to listen to voices they’ve ignored for too long. On the other, it risks normalizing extreme views. A detail that I find especially interesting is how quickly One Nation has gone from being a fringe party to a kingmaker. It’s a testament to the volatility of our political moment.
What’s Next?
Here’s where it gets really interesting: One Nation’s surge isn’t just an Australian phenomenon. Across the world, populist movements are on the rise. From Trump in the U.S. to Le Pen in France, the same forces are at play: economic anxiety, cultural backlash, and a loss of faith in institutions.
If One Nation’s support holds, it could reshape Australian politics for years to come. But it’s not a foregone conclusion. Personally, I think the major parties still have a chance to reclaim the narrative—if they’re willing to listen, adapt, and address the root causes of voter frustration.
Final Thoughts
As I reflect on all of this, one thing is clear: the rise of One Nation is a wake-up call. It’s a reminder that politics isn’t just about policies—it’s about people. And right now, a lot of people feel like they’re being left behind.
From my perspective, the real question isn’t whether Zempilas should work with One Nation. It’s whether the major parties can reconnect with the voters they’ve lost. If they can’t, One Nation’s surge might just be the beginning of a much bigger political earthquake.
What this really suggests is that we’re living in a moment of profound change. The old order is crumbling, and something new is emerging. Whether that’s a cause for hope or alarm depends on what comes next. But one thing’s for sure: Australian politics will never be the same again.
