Labor to highlight ‘risk’ of One Nation to cost of living in bid to dent Pauline Hanson’s popularity

Labor plans to counter One Nation's rising popularity by highlighting Pauline Hanson's record of opposing cost-of-living relief for workers. This strategy aims to prevent One Nation from further eroding Labor's voter base, especially as recent polls show One Nation surpassing Labor in popularity. Labor MP Mike Freelander suggested the party should continue exploring options for worker relief, including further income tax cuts. The government is also scrutinizing One Nation's stance on issues like minimum wage increases, with Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek criticizing One Nation for voting against measures to help Australians. While some Labor ministers downplayed the poll's significance, they acknowledged voters are struggling, and the government aims to frame One Nation as a risky choice for dissatisfied voters.

Australia's populist One Nation party has overtaken the ruling Labor party in a nationwide opinion poll for the first time, with 31% of the primary vote. This surge, revealed in a Redbridge Group/Accent Research survey conducted between May 25-28, highlights voter dissatisfaction with the government's recent budget, which included a crackdown on tax breaks for property investors. The center-left Labor government's primary vote has fallen to 28%. Notably, the traditional center-right Liberal-National coalition has also failed to gain, with its vote slipping to 20%. This trend mirrors the rise of right-wing populism seen in Britain and Europe, as voters move away from established parties. One Nation recently secured its first lower house parliamentary seat in a by-election.

A recent poll suggests Pauline Hanson's One Nation is now the most popular political party in Australia. In response, Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson stated the Coalition needs to improve and communicate its plans more effectively, dismissing claims that the opposition is a minor party. Wilson acknowledged that Australians are experiencing despair regarding the current government and economic pressures, exacerbated by global events. He believes the Coalition will remain a significant player and has a chance to win the next election, emphasizing that polls leading up to election day will be crucial. Separately, free public transport in Victoria has ended.

A recent Guardian Essential poll of 1,067 Australians found that Pauline Hanson's leadership of One Nation has a majority approval rating of 52%, surpassing Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (41% approval) and Opposition Leader Angus Taylor (34% approval). The poll, conducted last week, indicates One Nation is outperforming the Coalition for the first time. Hanson's approval was consistent across all age groups and genders, and she even garnered approval from a portion of Labor and Greens voters. This finding emerges as Australians express increasing pessimism about the country and economy.