One Nation’s Rise: A Harbinger of a Broken Two-Party System?

The Australian Labor Party has suffered a significant blow in the recent by-election in Western Australia, where far-right candidate Luke Herdegen secured a seat for the One Nation party. This outcome is symptomatic of a deeper issue: the erosion of trust in mainstream politics.

One Nation’s success can be attributed to its hardline stance on immigration, which has resonated with voters disillusioned by the major parties’ inability to address pressing issues like housing shortages and high living costs. The fact that One Nation won 57% of the vote in a constituency held by Labor since 1989 is a stark reminder that the traditional two-party system is no longer tenable.

This phenomenon is not unique to Australia; it’s a trend observed globally, where anti-establishment movements are gaining traction. In the United States, for instance, populist politicians like Donald Trump have been fueled by similar sentiments. The question now is whether Australia’s major parties will take heed of this warning and re-evaluate their strategies or continue to ignore the growing discontent.

One Nation’s leader, Senator Pauline Hanson, has long been a thorn in the side of mainstream politics. Her party’s rhetoric may be divisive, but it’s undeniable that they’ve tapped into a reservoir of frustration among voters who feel disconnected from the political process. The challenge for Labor and other major parties is to acknowledge this dissatisfaction and adapt their policies accordingly.

Tanya Plibersek has acknowledged the need for her party to “communicate the fact that the Labor Party is the only party focused on real delivery.” However, it’s unclear whether this will be enough to stem the tide. As Herdegen pointed out in his victory speech, his win sends a clear message: there are no safe seats for Labor.

The implications of One Nation’s rise go beyond the immediate politics; they also speak to the changing nature of Australian society. The country has long prided itself on its egalitarian values and social safety net, but many Australians feel left behind by economic and demographic shifts in recent years.

As Australia heads towards the 2026 election in Victoria state, it’s essential to consider what this means for the future of politics. Will Labor and other major parties learn from their mistakes and adapt to the changing landscape, or will they continue to cling to a system that’s no longer tenable? One thing is certain: the status quo is no longer an option.

The Frustrations of the Forgotten

The electoral map in Western Australia tells a story of disillusionment. Labor has long held sway in this region, but its inability to address pressing issues like housing affordability and cost of living has left voters feeling frustrated and disconnected. One Nation’s rise is not just about immigration; it’s also about the failure of mainstream politics to deliver tangible results.

The contrast between One Nation’s grassroots campaign and the more polished efforts of Labor is striking. Herdegen’s win may have been driven by nostalgia for a perceived golden age, but it’s also a testament to the party’s ability to connect with voters on a personal level. This is an area where Labor and other major parties need to improve: they must find ways to communicate more effectively with voters and demonstrate that they’re listening.

The Rise of Anti-Establishment Politics

One Nation’s success in Western Australia is part of a broader trend observed globally, where populist politicians like Donald Trump, Marine Le Pen, and Viktor Orbán have tapped into a reservoir of frustration among voters who feel disillusioned with the status quo. This phenomenon is not limited to the far right; there are also examples of left-wing populist movements gaining traction.

The reasons for this shift in public opinion are complex, but one factor stands out: the erosion of trust in mainstream politics. As voters become increasingly disenchanted with established parties, they’re looking for alternatives that promise a more authentic and effective representation of their interests. One Nation’s rise is a symptom of this disease; it’s up to Labor and other major parties to diagnose the problem and develop a treatment.

The Future of Australian Politics

The question now is what comes next in Australian politics. Will Labor and other major parties take heed of One Nation’s warning signs and re-evaluate their strategies, or will they continue to ignore the growing discontent? The 2026 election in Victoria state will be a crucial test of their mettle. If they fail to adapt, we can expect more of the same: a continued rise of anti-establishment movements and a further erosion of trust in mainstream politics.

One thing is certain: the status quo is no longer tenable. It’s time for Labor and other major parties to take a long, hard look at themselves and their policies. The people are waiting – and they won’t be silenced.