A new poll and inside information indicate that the Victorian Liberals are increasingly concerned about the rising threat of One Nation. So much so that two internal sources told The Age the party would preference One Nation ahead of Labor at the state's next election in November.
Criticism from Former Premier
Former Labor premier Steve Bracks condemned the move, warning it would push the centre-right out. 'All that will do is legitimise One Nation and that is outrageous,' he said at the Sorrento Writers' Festival last week. 'It will be the beginning of the end of the centre-right party in this country.'
Polling Data Shows Growing Support
A Resolve Political Monitor poll suggests Bracks' warning is falling on deaf ears, as Pauline Hanson's party gains popularity. Support for One Nation was present in one in five voters, establishing itself as a 'third party' alternative for the Victorian election on November 28, rather than being grouped with other minor parties.
Twin surveys in March and April found 21 per cent of the primary vote went to One Nation, compared to 27 per cent for Labor and 29 per cent for the Coalition.
Success in South Australia
This follows a wave of success for One Nation in the South Australian election earlier this year, where it claimed four seats, including the key gain of Narungga.
Voter Sentiment
Resolve founder Jim Reed said the results indicate Australians are tired of the two-party system. 'One Nation voters are fed up with Labor and don't like Jacinta Allan but think the Liberal Party is not in a position to win or govern either,' he said. 'For some people, backing One Nation is a tactical choice to vote out Labor. For others, it is a Trumpian 'drain the swamp' mentality that seeks to get rid of both major parties. Either way, people are voting for change.'
Reed added that this does not mean One Nation will suddenly form government, but it makes the mountain harder for the Coalition to climb and may help keep Labor in power.
