A recent Guardian Essential poll indicates a significant political shift in Australia, revealing that nearly 60% of Australians are open to voting for the right-wing populist party One Nation in the upcoming federal election. This sentiment is notably shared by almost half of the voters currently supporting the Labor party, raising concerns within both the current government and the opposition Coalition about the rise of fringe parties. The poll reflects a changing political landscape and suggests that voter discontent with traditional parties may be pushing some Australians towards more radical options.

The poll, which surveyed 1,002 Australians last week, found that the primary voting percentages remain relatively stable among the major parties, with Labor at 30% and the Coalition slightly improving to 26%. Despite the controversies surrounding One Nation, the party's primary vote holds steady at 22%, suggesting that the electorate's concerns may not be swayed by Hanson’s previous remarks about Islam. On the other hand, public reception towards the recently appointed Liberal leader, Angus Taylor, has not significantly improved the Coalition’s electoral prospects, as voters remain divided on his leadership impact.

The results of this poll signal possible challenges ahead for mainstream parties as they confront a growing appetite for alternative political movements. As the federal election approaches, both the government and opposition will likely need to address the underlying issues driving voters toward parties like One Nation, particularly regarding public trust and dissatisfaction with current political representation. This trend also highlights the importance of how mainstream parties engage with contentious social issues, as failing to do so may further erode their support.