Premier Chris Minns warns One Nation could play ‘big role’ in NSW Coalition government

Prime Minister Chris Minns warned voters not to risk handing power to a divided opposition and “perhaps one in which One Nation plays a big role”.

NSW Labor is likely to face tough conditions when voters return to the polls next year.

Mr Minns was speaking to NewsWire after One Nation won four lower parliamentary seats in the South Australian state election, but the right-wing populist party scored an even bigger victory in the regional federal seat of Farrer in NSW.

This means Labor could face a different kind of threat in 2027.

Fuel prices have only recently begun to return to normal after Canberra imposed a temporary consumption tax cut; Experts warn that infrastructure damage from tit-for-tat attacks between Iran and the United States will likely take years to repair.

This is just the latest blow for NSW residents already facing rising costs of living and one of the most restrictive housing markets in the world.

Speaking to NewsWire, Mr Minns admitted it had been a “difficult period”, including interest rate rises and rising inflation.

“These are important parts of the family budget that grow exponentially,” he said.

“The Strait of Hormuz is not under my control. If it were, I promise you I would open it.”

“But I think there are things you can do for families in NSW that are still important in terms of helping people in the short term and then solving some of the chronic problems in our economy and society.”

Mr Minns said his pitch to voters in March 2027 would be “a centrist government focused on families”.

“We are a steady hand in uncertain times,” he said.

“There is a risk in surrendering to a divided opposition, perhaps one in which One Nation plays a large role.”

The Prime Minister, who dismissed the former Coalition government three years ago, drew attention to his party’s move against privatization and a one percent increase in real wages.

Other cost-of-living measures included expanding access to ADHD medications and birth control pills.

“We are changing the law in NSW so that you can go to an accredited chemist and get both the prescription and the medicine (pill),” he said.

“We hope this is a cost-of-living measure as well as an essential health measure for half the population.”

In NSW, One Nation’s vote rose to 30 per cent, ahead of Labour’s 25 per cent, according to a Roy Morgan poll in February.

“Every politician worries about elections,” Mr. Minns said.

“I always laugh when I see people on TV saying ‘we don’t care about the poll’. Of course you do.”

“I think the growing vote for One Nation is real. A lot of people are influenced by their policies.”

Mr Minns said it was the duty of Labor and “political parties and governments like mine” to “demonstrate progress and make it happen”.

Drawing attention to the wage increase in the public sector, he said, “We believe that our policies are right for the state in the long run.”

“Most salaries in the private sector are tied to public sector salaries.

“During our fairly short time in office, we have seen an increase in the pay and conditions of public sector workers.

“If this is done responsibly while also running a fiscally responsible budget, it means people have more money in their back pockets to cover their immediate expenses, pay off their mortgages and provide for their families.

“We don’t apologize for that.”