Sky News Australia host Andrew Bolt said the Australian Labor Party's "self-serving denial" regarding immigration is the primary driver behind the rise of One Nation [1, 2].

This critique highlights a growing ideological divide in Australia over national identity and border policy. By linking the Labor Party's rhetoric to the success of a populist movement, Bolt suggests that mainstream political dismissals of voter anxiety may be creating a vacuum for right-wing alternatives.

Bolt said that immigration is the central issue for those supporting One Nation [1, 2]. He described the topic as the "red-hot issue" for these voters, alongside related concepts such as patriotism, and national unity [1, 2].

According to Bolt, the Labor Party dismisses the ideology associated with these concerns [1, 2]. He said that this dismissal allows One Nation to capitalize on the frustrations of citizens who feel the government is ignoring the impact of mass immigration on the country [1, 2].

"Immigration is the key issue behind the rise of One Nation, the way this mass immigration is changing our country, making it feel less like our home," Bolt said [1, 2].

Bolt said that the rise of the party is not just about numbers but about a feeling of loss regarding national identity. He said that immigration is the core driver, and everything else—including the focus on unity—flows from that central point [1, 2].

The commentary suggests that the Labor Party's approach to immigration is not merely a policy disagreement but a strategic failure that empowers political outsiders [1, 2].

“"Immigration is above all the red‑hot issue for One Nation voters"”

The assertion reflects a broader global trend where populist parties gain traction by framing mainstream governments as out of touch with the cultural and demographic concerns of the working class. In the Australian context, this suggests that immigration has moved beyond a technical policy debate and is now a primary vehicle for arguments regarding national identity and sovereignty.