The Rise of One Nation: A Symptom of Deeper Frustrations?
There’s something deeply unsettling about the surge of One Nation in South Australia. It’s not just the party’s rhetoric, though that’s certainly part of it. What’s more concerning is what their rise reveals about the state of Australian politics and the growing disconnect between the ‘little people’ and the major parties.
The Grievance Narrative: Why It Resonates
One thing that immediately stands out is how effectively One Nation taps into a sense of grievance. At a recent campaign event, Carlos Quaremba, the party’s state president, framed One Nation as a party of the aggrieved—‘grieving because you’re not listening,’ he said. Personally, I think this hits a nerve because it’s true: many Australians feel ignored by the political establishment. Petrol prices, cost-of-living pressures, and housing affordability are real issues, yet the major parties often seem more focused on internal squabbles or abstract debates.
What many people don’t realize is that this grievance isn’t just about policy failures; it’s about a loss of trust. When Chris, a former Labor voter, says, ‘Pauline and the gang have got the answers,’ he’s not just endorsing One Nation—he’s rejecting the system that failed him. This raises a deeper question: why are voters turning to a party with a history of racism and hollow populism instead of demanding better from the major parties?
The Paradox of One Nation’s Appeal
Here’s where it gets fascinating: One Nation’s appeal isn’t just about what they say, but what they represent. Cory Bernardi, the party’s state leader, is a former Liberal senator who now champions himself as a voice for the working class. But let’s be honest—Bernardi, flying around in Gina Rinehart’s private jet, is about as far from a ‘battler’ as you can get. What this really suggests is that One Nation’s success isn’t about authenticity; it’s about symbolism.
From my perspective, this is a classic case of political branding over substance. Bernardi’s social media is a masterclass in culture wars—mocking Indigenous languages, railing against the ABC, and doubling down on outdated views like linking gay marriage to bestiality. Yet, when it comes to actual policies, One Nation is, as Premier Peter Malinauskas aptly put it, ‘a policy-free zone.’ This disconnect between image and reality is staggering, yet it works because it taps into a deeper cultural anxiety.
The Major Parties’ Blind Spot
If you take a step back and think about it, the major parties’ response to One Nation has been woefully inadequate. The Liberals seem content to ignore them, while Labor’s strategy oscillates between empathy and condescension. Malinauskas’s approach is more nuanced—acknowledging the frustration of One Nation voters while highlighting the party’s lack of solutions. But even this feels like too little, too late.
What’s particularly interesting is how One Nation’s rise mirrors global trends. From Trump’s America to Le Pen’s France, populist movements thrive on economic insecurity and cultural backlash. In South Australia, the housing crisis and cost-of-living pressures have created fertile ground for One Nation’s message. But here’s the thing: these issues aren’t new. The major parties have had years to address them, yet they’ve failed to deliver meaningful change.
The Future: A Warning or a Wake-Up Call?
One Nation’s surge in South Australia isn’t just a local story—it’s a national warning. If the party gains seats, it will send shockwaves through Canberra. But even if they fall short, their momentum is a symptom of a broader malaise. Personally, I think the major parties need to do more than just criticize One Nation; they need to address the root causes of voter disillusionment.
A detail that I find especially interesting is how One Nation’s campaign is stretching its resources. Despite their national momentum, they’re struggling to mobilize volunteers in key seats like Schubert. This suggests that their support, while vocal, may not be as deep as it seems. But here’s the kicker: even if One Nation falters, the grievances they’ve tapped into won’t disappear.
Conclusion: Beyond the Grievance
In the end, One Nation’s rise isn’t just about One Nation. It’s about a political system that’s failing to listen, a society grappling with inequality, and a culture increasingly polarized by fear and resentment. As Alana, a former Labor voter turned One Nation supporter, put it, ‘The little people just get stepped on all the time.’
What this really suggests is that the major parties need to stop treating One Nation as a fringe movement and start addressing the issues driving voters to them. Because if they don’t, the next election could see even more Australians turning to populist alternatives—not because they believe in them, but because they’ve lost faith in everyone else.
And that, in my opinion, is the real story here.
