Pauline Hanson’s One Nation says a move to prop up Coalition candidates in key seats is designed to stop Anthony Albanese retaining power

In an intriguing political development, Pauline Hanson, the leader of the right-wing One Nation party, has expressed optimism regarding her party’s influence in the upcoming federal elections. She indicates that the rising support for One Nation, as evidenced by recent polling, is set to play a crucial role in aiding Coalition candidates in traditionally Labor strongholds. This stems from a strategic alignment where Hansen has placed Coalition parties second on her how-to-vote cards in several key seats, including that of Opposition Leader Peter Dutton. This reversal in the Coalition's approach, marking a significant shift from previous attempts to sideline One Nation, is generating discussions about the party's increased normalization within Australian politics. According to polling data, the One Nation party's primary vote has risen from less than 5% in the last election to around 7%, with some media reports claiming even higher support rates. Hansen attributes this growth to voter frustration over high migration rates under Labor's governance and reflects a broader trend of voters seeking alternatives beyond the major parties. Political analyst Jim Reed from Resolve Strategic echoed this sentiment, positing that this surge in One Nation's popularity is a manifestation of a long-term shift away from the major parties, suggesting that many right-leaning voters may be drifting towards One Nation due to dissatisfaction with the Coalition. Furthermore, the voter dynamics in key suburban areas appear favorable for the Coalition, particularly if One Nation's supporters direct their preferences as indicated. The political landscape is rife with complex maneuverings, particularly concerning preference trading between various fringe parties like Family First, who shares similar right-wing ideologies. However, uncertainties abound due to changing voter behaviors, where a significant number of voters now lean towards tactical voting rather than adhering strictly to party recommendations. This complexity could profoundly influence the upcoming elections, highlighting the politically charged atmosphere as the Coalition seeks to regain its footing against a rising tide of alternative parties. Moreover, this new alliance has ignited a fierce debate within the Liberal Party, with past leaders and party veterans expressing outrage over the embrace of Hanson’s policies, which were once considered fringe. Overall, the situation calls into question the viability of traditional party dynamics in Australia, illustrating how voter sentiment can lead to surprising political partnerships and shifts. The evolving role of fringe parties like One Nation in mainstream politics not only encapsulates a shift in voter priorities but also represents a growing challenge for both major parties aiming to navigate an increasingly polarized electorate.