One Nation Popularity Surges Amidst Federal Budget Backlash in New Poll

A new national survey reveals a significant shift in Australian political sentiment, with young voters increasingly disengaging from traditional party platforms and showing heightened support for far-right movements. The findings, released by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) on April 5, indicate that 58% of respondents aged 18–34 reject the federal government’s latest budget, citing concerns over economic inequality, climate policy, and social welfare cuts. This aligns with a concurrent YouGov poll showing One Nation’s approval ratings rising to 22%, a 7-point increase from March, marking its highest level since 2016.

The data underscores a growing rift between younger demographics and mainstream political parties. The survey, which included 2,000 participants across 12 states, found that 63% of respondents under 30 believe “current policies fail to address systemic issues,” while 45% expressed support for “more radical approaches to governance.” These figures contrast sharply with the 34% of voters over 50 who endorse the budget, highlighting a generational divide. Labor’s opposition to the budget, which includes measures to reduce public spending on healthcare and education, has been cited by 72% of young respondents as a key reason for their skepticism.

One Nation’s surge has been attributed to its focus on “economic nationalism” and border security, themes that resonate with voters disillusioned by bipartisan policy stagnation. Senator Pauline Hanson, the party’s leader, has capitalized on this momentum, framing her campaign as a response to “elite complacency.” In a recent address to regional communities, she stated, “The current government listens only to big corporations and foreign interests, not the everyday Australians who struggle to make ends meet.” The party’s recent state-level gains in Queensland and Western Australia further signal its expanding influence.

The political landscape is now grappling with the implications of these trends. The Australian Labor Party (ALP) has faced internal pressure to revise its economic strategy, with senior figures like Shadow Treasurer Jim Chalmers acknowledging the need for “greater transparency in budget allocations.” Meanwhile, the Liberal-National Coalition has sought to distance itself from the budget’s most controversial measures, though its poll numbers remain stagnant at 31%. Analysts note that the rise of independent candidates and minor parties has complicated electoral projections, with 14% of voters indicating they will support third-party candidates in the upcoming federal election.

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has yet to release detailed breakdowns of the survey’s methodology, leaving some questions about the poll’s scope unanswered. However, the findings align with broader patterns observed in recent state elections, where voter turnout among young people increased by 9% compared to 2022. This shift has prompted calls for electoral reforms, including lower voting ages and expanded digital engagement initiatives. As the political debate intensifies, the growing disconnection between youth voters and traditional parties remains a defining challenge for Australia’s democratic institutions.