URGENT UPDATE: New opinion polls reveal a notable surge in popularity for One Nation leader Pauline Hanson and newly minted MP Barnaby Joyce as Australians show increasing support for their political messages. The latest data from Resolve’s Political Monitor indicates Hanson’s likeability rating has skyrocketed to +3, a remarkable turnaround from her -13 rating in 2024 and -25 in 2023.
Joyce, who recently left the Nationals due to a fallout with party leadership, also experienced a significant boost, achieving a -4 rating this year—an impressive 18-point improvement from his previous -22 rating. While Joyce remains in the negatives, his rise signals a shift in public sentiment towards the right-wing party.
In a statement to Sky News, Joyce expressed his gratitude for the positive response, stating, “I think people want a more pure form of politics. They want people to sort of cut through the rhetoric.” He highlighted that issues like energy policy, the Bondi attacks, and the rising cost of living have resonated with voters.
Joyce added, “Everywhere I go, I’m just really humbled by people walking up, shaking my hand,” and recalled instances of receiving applause in local venues. His remarks reflect a growing desire among Australians for straightforward political discourse, free from excuses.
The political landscape shifted dramatically when Joyce defected from the Nationals earlier this year, citing dissatisfaction with leader David Littleproud. His transition to One Nation was confirmed in November, making headlines as a significant political move.
While Joyce and Hanson revel in their newfound popularity, Littleproud downplayed the significance of the poll results, calling them “a bit of fun” and questioning the sample size. He noted, “It’s about 50-plus people, and it’s not a big sample size. Polls come and go, but I think this one is not a great sample size to hang your hat on.”
Despite the skepticism from Littleproud, the rise of Hanson and Joyce highlights a shifting political landscape in Australia. The One Nation party’s focus on pressing issues appears to be resonating with voters, suggesting a potential realignment in Australian politics as the electorate seeks authenticity and transparency.
As these developments unfold, all eyes will be on the next opinion polls to see if this trend continues. The political implications could be profound, potentially reshaping alliances and voter behavior in the lead-up to future elections.
Stay tuned for more updates as this situation develops.
