Pauline Hanson's One Nation party is experiencing a resurgence in popularity, with the latest Newspoll showing it at 27 per cent of the primary vote, ahead of the Coalition. This marks the party's strongest showing since 1998, when it polled nearly 23 per cent nationally.
Analysts attribute the surge to a loss of faith among right-wing voters in outer suburban and regional seats, particularly Generation X men and younger baby boomers. Redbridge Group director Simon Welsh says economic issues like housing affordability, linked to immigration and identity politics, are driving the shift.
One Nation's spokesperson acknowledged the party's membership growth is at the expense of the Liberal and National parties, citing divisions on net zero and immigration. The spokesperson said Hanson's consistency and authenticity contrast positively with major parties.
University of Canberra researcher Jordan McSwiney noted Hanson's ability to insert herself into debates on immigration and national security after events like the Lindt cafe siege. He described One Nation as a nativist party with a radical exclusionary nationalism, targeting different groups over time.
The party's constitution enshrines Hanson as leader for life, with power to name her successor. Despite past setbacks, including her ousting in 2002 and a brief jail term for electoral fraud later overturned, Hanson has maintained public visibility through media appearances.
