SA Premier Warns Against Division as One Nation Support Grows

One Nation's support is up to 22% in new polls, higher than the Liberal Party's 20%. This could change the election results.
By Newsroom | Politics, South Australia |

South Australia's Premier, Peter Malinauskas, has publicly voiced concerns about the political climate in the state, framing the upcoming election as a critical juncture. His comments come as opinion polls suggest a significant increase in voter support for the minor party One Nation. The Premier's remarks highlight a potential conflict between political unity and what he describes as "division and tribalism."

The Premier's campaign launch for the Labor Party's re-election bid, occurring a month before the vote, became a platform for his critical assessment of the political landscape. This contrasts with One Nation's apparent electoral gains, as indicated by recent polling. The election is being presented as a choice for voters between different political approaches.

One Nation is slammed by South Australian Premier as the minor party is tipped to see surge of voter support: 'Division and tribalism' - 1

Election Context and Polling Data

With the South Australian state election approaching, polling data indicates a notable shift in voter preference. A YouGov poll released prior to the Premier's statements showed One Nation ahead of the Liberal Party in primary vote support.

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  • The YouGov poll placed One Nation at 22 percent of the primary vote.

  • The Liberal Party was recorded at 20 percent of the primary vote.

  • On a two-party preferred basis, Labor held a significant lead over the Liberal opposition at 59-41 percent.

These figures suggest that One Nation is gaining traction, potentially impacting the traditional two-party dynamic in the state.

One Nation is slammed by South Australian Premier as the minor party is tipped to see surge of voter support: 'Division and tribalism' - 2

Premier Malinauskas's Message of Unity

Premier Peter Malinauskas used the launch of his party's re-election campaign to articulate his vision for South Australia. He emphasized the importance of unity and a positive outlook for the state's future.

"I remember people choosing to leave our state in the pursuit of opportunity," Mr. Malinauskas said.

His remarks appear to be a direct response to the growing support for One Nation, which he characterized as promoting "division and discord." The Premier is urging voters to reject what he perceives as divisive political tactics and opt for a more cohesive approach.

One Nation is slammed by South Australian Premier as the minor party is tipped to see surge of voter support: 'Division and tribalism' - 3

One Nation's Electoral Trajectory

Recent political analysis suggests that One Nation could be poised for an increase in voter support in South Australia. This surge is seen as a factor that could disrupt the established political order, particularly for the Liberal Party.

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  • There is an expectation that One Nation's vote may be stronger in regional and rural areas.

  • The party is running candidates in all lower house seats.

  • Analysts note that One Nation has maintained a steady national presence, with some observers pointing to its "laser-focused policy agenda" as a reason for its appeal.

The potential for One Nation to perform strongly is a significant consideration for the upcoming election, with some suggesting it could even contend for the role of official opposition.

One Nation is slammed by South Australian Premier as the minor party is tipped to see surge of voter support: 'Division and tribalism' - 4

Political Analysts' Observations

Political commentators have noted a broader trend of voters moving towards minor parties and independents. This shift is occurring against a backdrop of perceived division and disunity within the major political parties.

  • Some voters believe that minor parties and independents can be more effective at representing specific policy concerns.

  • The "turmoil in the federal party" of the Liberal Party has been mentioned as a potential factor influencing voter sentiment.

  • The current political conditions are described by some as creating a "perfect storm" for parties like One Nation.

Expert Insights on Voter Sentiment

Political science experts suggest that voters may be increasingly willing to support candidates outside the major parties if they feel those parties are not adequately representing their views.

"You've got other parties, for example, like One Nation, which I think has become more prominent because they've got a very laser-focused policy agenda, and people know what that party is seeking to achieve in a policy sense," said Associate Professor Zareh Ghazarian, Monash University's head of politics.

This perspective highlights the appeal of clearly defined policy platforms in the current political environment.

Conclusion and Future Implications

The upcoming South Australian election appears to be shaped by a tension between the Premier's call for unity and the growing appeal of One Nation, a party that has been characterized by its critics as promoting division. Polling data suggests One Nation is gaining significant ground, potentially altering the electoral landscape. The Premier's direct criticism indicates that One Nation's rise is a key factor being addressed by the Labor campaign.

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The performance of One Nation in this election could have broader implications for the party's national standing and the ongoing debate about the influence of minor parties in Australian politics. The outcome will reveal whether Malinauskas's message of unity prevails or if One Nation's platform resonates more strongly with a segment of the electorate.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is the South Australian Premier talking about One Nation?
Premier Peter Malinauskas is worried that One Nation is getting more support from voters. He spoke about this at his party's campaign launch for the upcoming election.
Q: What do the latest polls say about One Nation?
A YouGov poll shows One Nation has 22% of the vote, which is more than the Liberal Party's 20%. This is a big change in how people might vote.
Q: What is Premier Malinauskas's main message to voters?
The Premier wants people to unite and not be divided by political parties. He believes One Nation causes division and wants voters to choose a different path.
Q: How might One Nation's support affect the election?
If One Nation gets more votes, it could change who wins the election. It might even mean One Nation becomes the main opposition party, which is a big change from the usual two main parties.
Q: Why are voters looking at parties like One Nation more now?
Some experts say voters are looking at smaller parties because they feel the main parties are not listening to them. One Nation has clear ideas that some people like.