One Nation is campaigning directly to Christians. But will party policies rub against worshippers’ conscience?

One Nation Targets Christian Voters, Tapping into Faith and Policy Divides

One Nation is campaigning directly to Christians - Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party has intensified its outreach to Australia’s Christian community, leveraging religious values to reshape political alliances. At a Sydney rally in early June, Barnaby Joyce, the party’s parliamentary leader, drew attention to the potential of Christian voters, addressing anti-abortion advocates and emphasizing his ability to mobilize support. The event featured Christian leaders, a recitation of the Lord’s Prayer, and a crowd largely composed of active churchgoers, signaling the party’s strategy to align its messaging with the moral priorities of a significant demographic.

A Religiously Divided Electorate

Australia’s Christian population, estimated at around 44% of the nation, remains a critical voting bloc despite its internal diversity. Anglicans and Catholics dominate religious affiliations, but the broader community includes a range of denominations and interpretations. According to the National Church Life Survey (NCLS), over 20% of Australians attend church regularly, a number that has grown in recent years. This base, however, is not monolithic—its political leanings can shift depending on the issue at hand.

Historically, Christian voters have leaned toward the Coalition, but their allegiance is not fixed. For example, Kevin Rudd’s 2007 campaign successfully attracted conservative Christians by framing his policies as aligned with a faith-based ethos, advocating for the marginalized and emphasizing compassion. Similarly, Scott Morrison’s 2019 election victory included strong support from Christian voters, who were influenced by his defense of religious freedom amid national debates on the topic. These examples highlight how Christian identity can serve as a bridge between ideology and electoral strategy.

One Nation’s Moral Appeal and Policy Contradictions

One Nation’s recent focus on anti-abortion rhetoric aims to resonate with conservative Christian audiences, particularly those who prioritize life issues. Barnaby Joyce’s rally in Sydney underscored this approach, positioning the party as a defender of traditional values. However, the party’s broader platform—centered on anti-immigration policies—may create tension with Christian principles that emphasize inclusivity and the sanctity of all people, regardless of background.

Simon Smart, executive director of the Centre for Public Christianity, warns that One Nation’s stance on immigration could clash with the faith-driven values of many Christians. “The anti-immigration, anti-refugee position of One Nation will be a hurdle for those whose beliefs call them to welcome strangers and see every human being as valuable because they are made in the image of God,” Smart says. He argues that while the party’s rhetoric on abortion might attract some followers, its vision of a “monocultural” Australia could alienate others, particularly migrant communities who contribute significantly to church attendance.

According to the NCLS, over a third of regular church attenders were born overseas, with a quarter speaking a language other than English at home. This diversity underscores the challenge One Nation faces in capturing the religious vote. The party’s emphasis on cultural uniformity may conflict with the reality of Australia’s multicultural Christian landscape, where families often gather for services in their native tongues. Smart notes that the Christian ideal values unity across differences, celebrating the “richness of humanity’s diversity,” which contrasts with the monocultural narrative promoted by Hanson.

Electoral Uncertainty and the Role of Faith

Despite One Nation’s efforts, the influence of the Christian vote on elections remains a topic of debate among academics. Some argue that the bloc’s ability to sway outcomes depends on cohesion, while others question its impact in a politically fragmented nation. John Black, a former Labor senator and founder of Australian Development Strategies, points to the concept of a “Bible belt” in Australia’s suburban peripheries, where religious convictions are strongest. He suggests that if such a region exists, it could be a decisive factor in tight contests.

“If Australia has a Bible belt, it’s located in the outer suburbs of major cities, which are densely populated and often swing seats,” Black says. He highlights that while “mortgage belt” issues drive voter behavior in these areas, religious values can tip the balance if organized effectively. This perspective aligns with the broader argument that Christian voters, when mobilized as a bloc, have the potential to influence election results, especially in marginal constituencies.

One Nation’s appeal to Christians is not without competition. The Coalition and Labor have historically courted religious voters, with both parties fielding leaders who articulate Christian values. For instance, Scott Morrison’s 2019 campaign emphasized religious freedom, while Kevin Rudd’s 2007 victory relied on his ability to connect with conservative Christians through personal faith. Now, One Nation seeks to claim a similar mantle, positioning itself as a voice for faith-based governance. Yet, its success hinges on whether its policies align with the varied priorities of the Christian community.

Broader Implications for Political Strategy

As Pauline Hanson’s popularity grows, her party has been proactive in shaping narratives that appeal to religious voters. This includes framing immigration as a threat to national identity and economic stability, a theme that resonates with some Christian groups concerned about cultural preservation. However, the same message may alienate others who view immigration as a source of strength and diversity.

John Warhurst, an emeritus professor of political science at the Australian National University, cautions that One Nation’s lack of a clear Christian spokesperson could hinder its effectiveness. “The party doesn’t have an obvious Christian voice, which may make it harder to convey its message with the same authenticity as other leaders,” he says. This absence of a unified religious figure could be a strategic disadvantage, as Christian voters often respond to leaders who embody their values.

Meanwhile, the political landscape continues to evolve. One Nation’s efforts to attract Christian support threaten to disrupt the traditional alignment between the Coalition’s evangelical base and Labor’s working-class Catholic voters. This shift raises questions about the long-term viability of the party’s strategy and its ability to maintain momentum in a rapidly changing electoral environment.

Conclusion: Faith as a Political Lever

Christianity remains a cornerstone of Australia’s identity, yet its political role is increasingly complex. With religious diversity growing and policy issues expanding, the Christian vote is no longer a guaranteed asset for any single party. One Nation’s campaign highlights the potential for faith to become a tool for political realignment, but its success depends on whether its policies can reconcile the tensions between cultural identity and inclusive values. As the election cycle progresses, the interplay between religion and politics will likely remain a focal point, shaping the future of Australia’s electoral dynamics.

“The Christian vision is of communion and community between people of every tribe, nation and tongue; there’s a richness in the diversity of humanity that doesn’t seem to sit well with that monoculture idea,” says Simon Smart.

With Hanson’s net approval ratings surpassing those of both Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Angus Taylor, One Nation is positioning itself as a compelling alternative for religious voters. Yet, the party’s ability to translate this appeal into electoral gains will depend on its capacity to navigate the moral and cultural nuances that define Australia’s Christian community.