Cory Bernardi to Lead One Nation in South Australian State Election
In a notable political development, former Liberal senator Cory Bernardi has been confirmed as the lead candidate for Pauline Hanson's One Nation party in the upcoming South Australian state election. The announcement, made late on Monday by Hanson herself, ends a day of intense speculation regarding Bernardi's political future and signals a strategic move by One Nation to bolster its conservative credentials ahead of the March poll.
From Liberal to One Nation: Bernardi's Political Journey
Cory Bernardi, who previously served under Liberal leaders Malcolm Turnbull and Tony Abbott, left the Coalition nearly a decade ago, citing that the party was not conservative enough for his values. After departing the federal Senate in 2020, Bernardi transitioned to a role as a Sky News commentator and podcast host until 2023. His decision to join One Nation represents a full-circle moment in his political career, aligning with a party that he views as a better fit for his staunch conservative principles.
In a statement, Pauline Hanson expressed her enthusiasm for Bernardi's candidacy, highlighting his alignment with One Nation's core values. "Cory has strong, sound conservative values that are an excellent fit with One Nation," Hanson said. "He's a prominent South Australian keen to make the positive differences in his home state the Liberals just can't bring themselves to make." The pair are scheduled to hold a joint press conference on Tuesday morning to further discuss their campaign strategy.
Policy Focus and Campaign Promises
While outlining his vision for South Australia, Bernardi emphasised key areas of concern without delving into specific policy details. He pledged that One Nation would focus on reducing government spending, lowering taxes, and managing state debt more effectively. Additionally, Bernardi voiced strong opposition to what he described as "red, green and black tape," criticising excessive regulation and environmental policies that he believes hinder economic growth.
Bernardi also pointed to broader issues affecting South Australians, including stagnant wages, rising living costs, and concerns over community safety. "Their wages are flat, their costs are rising, and many no longer recognise communities that have become increasingly unsafe," he remarked, accusing both major Labor and Coalition parties of failing ordinary citizens. He framed his decision to join One Nation as a response to these challenges, praising Hanson's leadership and the growing support for the party.
Strategic Moves and Party Expansion
One Nation has been actively seeking to expand its influence by recruiting high-profile figures, with party chief of staff James Ashby hinting at "some very big names" joining their ranks in an email to supporters, claiming it would "shock the nation." Bernardi's candidacy follows his public endorsement of One Nation in a recent Substack post, where he wrote about the party's progress and expressed his commitment to "lending my shoulder to the ON wheel." This post was shared by another former Coalition member, George Christensen, indicating potential further alignments within conservative circles.
As the South Australian election approaches in late March, Bernardi's role in leading One Nation's ticket for the legislative council could reshape the political landscape, offering voters a distinct conservative alternative. With his background in both politics and media, Bernardi brings a mix of experience and visibility that may enhance One Nation's appeal in a competitive electoral environment.
