For the first time since its founding, Australia’s populist One Nation party has claimed the top position in national polling, surpassing the current Labor government amid widespread public dissatisfaction with recent fiscal policy changes.
The Redbridge Group and Accent Research polling data shows One Nation’s primary support climbing four percentage points to reach 31% compared to the previous month’s results. Meanwhile, the governing center-left Labor party saw its support decline by three points to 28%.
The conservative coalition opposition also experienced losses, dropping two percentage points to 20% support.
These polling shifts follow the government’s May 12 budget announcement, which introduced sweeping property tax reforms described as the most significant changes to property taxation in decades. The measures were designed to address intergenerational inequity issues.
However, the proposed changes appear to have failed in winning public approval, particularly among Gen X and Baby Boomer demographics who showed strong opposition to the reforms.
Surprisingly, even younger demographics that the budget aimed to help expressed skepticism about the measures. Only 26% of Millennials and a mere 13% of Gen-Z respondents indicated they believed the budget would benefit them personally.
When factoring in Australia’s ranked-choice voting preferences, Labor maintains a narrow advantage over One Nation with 51% compared to 49% in a two-party scenario.
The survey included 1,005 participants and was conducted between May 25 and May 28, carrying a margin of error of 3.4%.
One Nation, established in 1997 under Pauline Hanson’s leadership, has historically maintained limited representation in Australia’s federal parliament. However, the party’s current surge reflects its successful appeal to voters concerned about rising living expenses, economic instability, and immigration policies.
