Pauline Hanson’s populism is a front. But there are lessons for progressives in One Nation’s surging popularity | Peter Lewis
Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party is gaining significant traction in Australia, presenting challenges not just to the Coalition government but to progressive parties as well.
Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party is experiencing a surge in support, presenting a notable challenge to the traditional Australian political landscape. This rise is not merely a response to the Coalition but also highlights a fracture among progressives, particularly those labeled as 'super-progressives.' The party's recent initiatives, including a controversial cartoon movie that satirizes progressive ideologies, have gained traction among voters, indicating a notable shift in public sentiment towards what was once regarded as a fringe political group.
Recent polling, including data from the Guardian Essential report, reveals that over half of the Australian electorate now views One Nation as a credible alternative. This includes a startling 45% of Labor voters and about a third of Green Party supporters, suggesting that the party's appeal transcends traditional lines of political allegiance. This trend appears to occur even as Hanson has ramped up divisive rhetoric, particularly targeting Muslim communities, which, interestingly, has not significantly deterred her support and may even resonate with a portion of the electorate looking for more radical alternatives to mainstream narratives.
The implications of One Nation's growing popularity are substantial; they not only challenge the Coalition but also force traditional progressive groups to rethink their strategies and narratives. This shifting dynamic requires progressives to address the concerns that have led to One Nation's appeal, particularly around issues of community, identity, and the criticisms of perceived elitism in progressive circles. If progressive parties wish to regain lost ground, it will be crucial for them to engage with these emerging sentiments rather than dismiss them outright, as is evident from the alarming shifts seen in recent polling data.