Voters in the Nepean state by-election say they support One Nation due to frustrations with immigration and the cost of living [1].
The shift in sentiment reflects a growing backlash against the Labor party and a broader disillusionment with established political figures in Australia. As voters seek alternatives to mainstream parties, the rise of One Nation in regional hubs suggests a volatility in the current political landscape.
Susie O’Brien of News Corp National Education said that One Nation taps into three [1] distinct issues: immigration, cost of living, and disillusionment with existing politicians.
This sentiment was particularly evident in the Nepean state electorate in New South Wales [2]. Voters in the region indicated that the party's focus on immediate economic pressures and border control resonates more than the platforms offered by traditional candidates.
Shadow Cabinet Secretary Zoe McKenzie said she had just come from the by-election in the state seat of Nepean [2]. The observations from the ground suggest that the move toward One Nation is tied to a perceived failure by the Labor party to address the needs of the electorate.
Supporters expressed that their backing of the party stems from a lack of confidence in current politicians to enact meaningful change. This gap in trust has allowed One Nation to position itself as a voice for those feeling ignored by the central government, specifically regarding the rising costs of basic necessities.
The trend in Nepean highlights a pattern where voters prioritize specific populist appeals over broad party loyalty. By focusing on a narrow set of grievances, One Nation has managed to capture a segment of the population that feels alienated by the current administration's policy directions [1, 2].
“One Nation taps into three distinct issues: immigration, cost of living, and disillusionment with existing politicians.”
The support for One Nation in Nepean indicates a strategic opening for populist rhetoric in Australian state politics. When voters perceive a disconnect between government policy and their daily economic reality—particularly regarding inflation and immigration—they are more likely to migrate toward parties that offer simplified, direct solutions. This trend suggests that mainstream parties may face increasing difficulty maintaining their base in regional electorates without addressing specific cost-of-living grievances.
