Farrer by-election could be the start of the duopoly’s downfall

The Farrer by-election to replace Sussan Ley may not signal the immediate end of Australia’s two-party system, but it may one day be seen as the beginning of the system’s deterioration in health.

The coalition is currently polling at levels many thought impossible so soon after the last federal election. Latest RedBridge/Accent federal voting intention survey It showed One Nation at 29% and the Coalition at just 17% (record high and record low respectively). Meanwhile, Labor remains relatively stable, but if its main rival continues to decline, traditional preferences and campaign narratives could be thrown out the window.