One Nation has become the most popular political party in Australia, according to a RedBridge poll released Monday [1].
This shift signals a significant volatility in the Australian electorate, suggesting that traditional major parties are losing their grip on voters amid economic frustration. The rise of Pauline Hanson's party reflects a growing appetite for populist alternatives as citizens react to federal fiscal policies.
The poll conducted for the Australian Financial Review indicates that One Nation now leads with 28% support [2], while the Labor Party follows with 26% [2]. This surge in popularity is particularly evident among younger voters; One Nation currently holds 30% support among millennials compared to 20% for Labor [3].
Analysts attribute the swing to widespread voter disaffection following the 2026 federal budget. The budget proposed controversial reforms to negative gearing and capital gains tax, which have alienated segments of the voting public [4].
"We have the voters to back us up," Pauline Hanson (One Nation) said [5].
Labor representatives have acknowledged the shift in sentiment. Amanda Rishworth (Labor) said, "I'm not surprised by these poll results" [6].
The results mark a rare moment where a minor party has overtaken a primary governing party in overall preference. While Labor has historically dominated the millennial demographic, the current data suggests a realignment of youth politics toward the right-wing populist platform of One Nation [3].
This trend suggests that the government's attempt to reform tax structures has created a political opening for Hanson to position her party as the primary opposition to the current administration's economic direction [4].
“One Nation now leads with 28% support, ahead of Labor's 26%.”
The shift in voter preference indicates that the 2026 budget's tax reforms served as a catalyst for a broader populist surge. By capturing a significant portion of the millennial vote, One Nation is expanding its base beyond its traditional demographic, potentially forcing the Labor Party to either pivot its economic strategy or risk a permanent loss of youth support in the next election cycle.
