Guardian Essential poll: more than half of Australians open to voting for One Nation despite Hanson’s Muslim comments

The Guardian World

by Josh Butler

February 24, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

A recent poll by Guardian Essential reveals that nearly 60% of Australians are open to voting for One Nation in the next federal election, signaling a significant shift in political preferences. Notably, nearly half of current Labor supporters say they would consider backing the rightwing populist party led by Pauline Hanson. This surge in support has raised concerns among both the government and the Coalition, as it highlights the growing influence of One Nation's populist message. One Nation's popularity appears to be driven by its strong stance on immigration and sovereignty, with Hanson's controversial remarks on Muslim integration sparking debates about her policies and appeal. Despite criticism, the party's ability to attract disaffected voters from both major parties underscores a broader trend toward rightwing populism in Australian politics. This shift reflects not only voter dissatisfaction with mainstream political options but also a growing demand for alternative voices. The poll also indicates that One Nation has made significant gains among traditionally Labor-aligned voters, potentially weakening the party's base ahead of the next election. Meanwhile, the recent leadership change in the Liberal Party, with Angus Taylor taking over as leader, has done little to improve the Coalition's electoral prospects. The primary vote for the opposition remains largely unchanged, and voters are divided on whether Taylor's leadership will make them more or less likely to support the Coalition. This rise of One Nation highlights the challenges facing both major political parties in retaining voter loyalty. For progressives, there are lessons to be learned from the party's success, particularly in addressing voter concerns about immigration and economic policies. As global politics continues to shift toward populist movements, Australia's experience offers insights into how such trends can impact traditional democratic structures and voter behavior. In a broader context, the poll results underscore the importance of understanding the dynamics driving political change in democratic societies. The rise of One Nation is not just an Australian phenomenon but part of a larger global trend toward rightwing

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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/24/2026