A Redbridge Group/Accent Research poll published in the Australian Financial Review put One Nation ahead of Labor for the first time, making it the most popular political party in the country.
One Nation founder Pauline Hanson’s poll numbers have continued to rise despite a string of controversies that would ordinarily damage a politician’s standing. Hanson told 2GB radio: “Do I have the ability to do it? You bet I have.” She has also signalled she would not support a real increase to the minimum wage when the independent Fair Work Commission hands down its annual decision.
Labor will seek to highlight Pauline Hanson’s record of opposing cost-of-living relief for working people. Social services minister Tanya Plibersek said on Channel 7’s Sunrise program: “Every opportunity they’ve had, they’ve actually voted against things that would make it easier, make life easier for Australians.” A senior government source said Labor’s challenge was to highlight the “risk” of One Nation and its policies, arguing Hanson was currently perceived as a “risk-free” option for angry voters.
Labor MP Mike Freelander said he was confident support for One Nation had peaked. He added that personal attacks on Hanson were “wrong” and counterproductive, insisting the focus must be on One Nation’s policy positions. Freelander also said the government must “stick to its guns” with its agenda but should remain open to more cost-of-living relief. He said: “I think that we need to continue to look at how we can make it better. We shouldn’t rest on our laurels by any means.” Freelander said Labor should be prepared to go further on taxation to improve people’s take-home pay.