Australia's Leader of the Opposition Sussan Ley speaks at a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra on May 13, 2025. (Photo by Saeed Khan / AFP) (Photo by SAEED KHAN/AFP via Getty Images)
UPDATE: Sussan Ley’s political standing has reached a critical low, according to the latest Redbridge poll released just hours ago. The Coalition’s primary vote has plunged to a staggering 24 percent, while One Nation has surged to 18 percent. This dramatic shift highlights a deepening crisis within the conservative ranks, raising alarms about the future of the Coalition.
The results of this poll present a stark reality for Ley, whose rating as preferred Prime Minister has dropped to an alarming 10 percent. In contrast, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese holds a commanding 40 percent approval rating, reflecting a significant gap that no amount of political maneuvering can bridge. The implications of these numbers are profound, signaling a potential upheaval in Australian politics.
Amidst this turmoil, Ley’s recent announcements—including a shift away from the Net Zero commitment and a renewed focus on reducing immigration—have failed to resonate with voters. Many Australians feel increasingly disillusioned, with rising concerns about the economy and national security compounding their frustrations.
Poll results indicate that Ley’s leadership is under scrutiny not just from the public but also from within her party. Reports are emerging of Coalition moderates gravitating towards Andrew Hastie, suggesting a potential leadership challenge as dissatisfaction with Ley grows. This internal strife could further weaken the Coalition’s position as they face pressure from both One Nation and the Labor Party.
Furthermore, One Nation’s rising popularity is indicative of a broader shift in voter sentiment. The party’s focus on immigration is resonating with a segment of the electorate that feels unheard by the traditional parties. The Coalition’s inability to unify conservative voters could jeopardize their chances in upcoming elections, as historical patterns show that conservatives typically succeed when they surpass a primary vote threshold of 41 percent.
Next Steps: The political landscape is shifting rapidly, and the Coalition must act decisively to regain the trust of its base. As the situation develops, many are calling for a return to core conservative values that resonate with voters. Ley’s leadership is now seen as a litmus test for the Coalition’s future, and without a clear, conviction-driven strategy, their prospects could diminish further.
Recent political history reveals that low polling numbers do not necessarily determine a party’s fate. Former Prime Minister John Howard was once labeled “Mr. 18 percent” before making a significant comeback. However, analysts caution that Ley’s current trajectory, marked by a lack of voters’ trust, could lead to a different outcome. The electorate is looking for authenticity and strong leadership that prioritizes the nation’s interests over political expediency.
As the Coalition grapples with these challenges, the urgency for decisive action has never been greater. Sussan Ley’s political future hangs in the balance as she faces mounting pressure from voters and party insiders alike. The next steps taken by the Coalition could very well determine the direction of Australian politics in the coming months.
For now, the 42 percent of Australians concerned about the nation’s future are watching closely, waiting for a leader who can genuinely address their concerns. If Ley cannot rise to the occasion, her political epitaph may soon read, “Nobody believed her.”
