Guardian Essential poll: voters reject key One Nation policies as support slips

Guardian Essential Poll: One Nation's Support Dips Amid Policy Rejections

Guardian Essential poll - A new Guardian Essential poll reveals a notable shift in voter sentiment toward the One Nation party, with core policies like closing SBS and dismantling multiculturalism facing significant backlash. The survey, conducted shortly after Pauline Hanson’s controversial press club speech, highlights growing doubts about the party's ability to implement its agenda effectively. Despite this, nearly half of respondents remain open to voting for One Nation in the next election, reflecting its continued relevance in the political landscape.

Decline in Policy Endorsement

The Guardian Essential poll underscores a sharp decline in support for One Nation’s flagship initiatives. Previously popular ideas such as nationalizing the ABC and ending multiculturalism are now met with strong opposition. For example, only 15% of voters back the privatization of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, and a mere 11% support the closure of the Special Broadcasting Service. These numbers contrast with earlier surveys where such policies were more broadly accepted, signaling a pivotal moment in the party's public image.

“The Guardian Essential poll suggests One Nation’s policy appeal is waning,” noted Peter Lewis, Essential Media’s executive director. “Voters are increasingly skeptical of the party’s vision for the nation.”

Leadership and Ideology Under Fire

Hanson’s push for a “monoculture” in Australia has also lost momentum, with only 20% of respondents endorsing the abolition of multiculturalism. The Guardian Essential poll further reveals that 18% of voters support withdrawing Australia from the UN, and a similar number back revising workplace laws to give employers more control. These results indicate a growing rift between the party’s ideological stances and the broader electorate’s priorities.

Meanwhile, the Guardian Essential poll highlights a key factor in the party's declining support: concerns about its governance capability. While One Nation’s net approval remains higher than that of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese or Opposition Leader Angus Taylor, the party’s primary vote has dropped by two percentage points to 26%, according to the latest findings. This marks a subtle but important shift in voter alignment.

Energy and Social Policy Divide

The Guardian Essential poll also captures mixed reactions to One Nation’s social and energy policies. Abortion rights, once a contentious issue, now show a decline in complete legalization support, with only 29% of respondents backing it in all cases. However, a substantial 42% still favor legal access in most scenarios. On energy, 26% support halting the renewable transition, while 25% back fossil fuels, showing the party’s stance resonates with some voters despite broader criticism.

Immigration continues to be a central issue for One Nation supporters, with 51% of respondents citing it as a key driver of their party loyalty. Yet, the Guardian Essential poll reveals that voters are now more focused on other concerns, such as economic inequality, which ranks lower in importance but still influences a portion of the electorate.

Coalition and Labor Trends

The Guardian Essential poll indicates that the Coalition may be gaining traction from former One Nation supporters. A significant 32% of voters express openness to Liberal candidates, while 36% consider the Nationals. This could represent a shift in preferences, driven by perceived improvements in Coalition policies or dissatisfaction with the major parties. Meanwhile, Labor’s primary vote has edged up to 30%, while the Coalition remains stable at 23%, according to the latest survey results.

While One Nation’s policy popularity declines, the Guardian Essential poll shows that its brand remains strong among certain demographics. The party’s ability to maintain a base of supporters, even as its policies face rejection, highlights the complexity of political alignment in Australia. As the election cycle progresses, the poll’s findings will be critical in shaping the party’s strategy and messaging.