‘Grievances’: Albanese plays down One Nation’s rise
Anthony Albanese has played down One Nation’s meteoric rise in the polls, saying Australia needs “hope and optimism” rather than grievance politics.
The populist far-right party’s primary support has outpaced the Coalition in most national polls since December, making it the second most popular choice of voters.
Analysts and parliamentarians have offered a variety of explanations, including anger following the Bondi terror attack, dissatisfaction with the Coalition and the departure of former Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce.
On Sunday the Prime Minister belittled One Nation, saying Australians were looking for “solutions”.
“One nation is a political movement focused on dividing Australia and pitting Australia against Australia,” Mr Albanese told Sky News.
“I don’t think they found positive solutions.
“Instead of producing solutions, they magnify the complaints.
“And I think what Australia needs is hope, optimism and developing plans for a positive future.”
Much of One Nation’s rhetoric is linked to immigration.
The party stepped up its anti-immigrant language in the wake of the Bondi terror attack, after it was revealed that one of the gunmen suspects was born in India.
The other suspect was an Australian citizen.
He also increased his anti-Islamic language with both suspected Muslims.
He sparked fresh controversy by declaring that he was “not a good Muslim”, which leader Pauline Hanson denounced this week.
After doubling down and then issuing a partial apology several times throughout the week, the Australian Federal Police said it had “received a report of offense” regarding Senator Hanson’s remarks.
He expressed his anger on social media, sharing: “They are trying to use Labour’s new hate speech laws to put me back in prison.”
He spent a short time in prison for election fraud in 2003 before his conviction was overturned.
Asked whether surveys showed fears that Muslims migrating from conflict-ridden areas might want to bring that conflict with them, Mr Albanese said: “Australia’s deal is that people leave any prejudice or hatred at customs when they arrive in Australia.”
“And Australians overwhelmingly respect each other,” he said.
“Australians, whatever their beliefs, who they are, whatever their background, we overwhelmingly live in harmony in this country.
“It is important that people in positions of authority, including politicians, promote social harmony rather than seeking political gain by opportunistically trying to divide people and create fear.”
Observers see the upcoming South Australian election as a test of One Nation’s support.
Polls released this week showed the Liberal Party may be facing an existential threat.
A News poll showed One Nation’s core support had jumped to 24 per cent, while the Liberals’ primary vote had fallen to 14 per cent.
If replicated statewide, the Liberal Party could lose 13 seats; This poses a greater threat to the rural and regional seats it weakly holds.
One Nation’s vote was also twice that of the Greens, at just 12 per cent.
The statewide YouGov poll also painted a bleak picture for the Liberals.
The party’s primary support rose to 20 percent, while One Nation’s support rose to 22 percent.
Both predicted a landslide victory for the Labor government led by Prime Minister Peter Malinauskas.
