Full Story Newsroom edition: One Nation and the rise of the populist right
Oct 9, 2025
Patrick Keneally, Deputy Editor at The Guardian Australia, and Mike Ticher, Head of Newsroom at the same outlet, delve into the alarming rise of the populist right, with One Nation's polling surging from 6.4% to 11-12%. They discuss the drivers behind this trend, including anti-immigration sentiment and economic nostalgia. Keneally critiques the media's responsibility in reporting on such movements, while Ticher warns against the implications for Australian politics. They also analyze the impacts of the UK’s political landscape on Australia’s situation.
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One Nation's Polling Surge Is Significant But Precarious
- Recent polls show One Nation rising from ~6% to around 11–12%, mainly at the Coalition's expense.
- These are opinion polls only and not equivalent to election results, so interpret with caution.
Public Rallies And Historical Context Temper Alarm
- Street rallies in Melbourne and Sydney have included neo-Nazi presence and show worrying public manifestations of the radical right.
- One Nation's current polling is far below its historic high and below some European far-right levels, so the situation is not yet comparable.
Migration And Climate Drive Right-Wing Momentum
- Immigration and climate policy (net zero) are the main issues animating the right in Australia right now.
- Migration is the stronger driver of right-wing gains, mirroring European trends more than the UK’s unique boat-arrival debate.