South Australia heads to the polls on March 21, and the state election is being viewed as a key test for One Nation. A campaign rally held Friday evening at Williamstown Soldiers’ Memorial Hall, roughly an hour northeast of Adelaide, showcased the party’s appeal to voters feeling unheard by the major parties.
‘Any voice in a step forward’
The rally, attended by approximately 60 people, served as the launch for One Nation candidate Bruce Preece’s campaign in the Barossa Valley seat of Schubert, currently held by Liberal Party leader Ashton Hurn since 1997. John Tate, Preece’s campaign manager, described himself as “shanghai’d” into the role, but motivated by his love of the Australian flag and opposition to net zero emissions targets.
The event featured appearances from One Nation state president Carlos Quaremba and New South Wales senator Sean Bell. Quaremba stated that the election is an opportunity to send a message to both the “uniparty” – One Nation’s term for the Labor and Liberal parties – in South Australia and to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Canberra.
Recent polling suggests One Nation’s primary vote is in the 20s, surpassing the Liberal Party. The party is expected to win two of the 11 upper house seats, potentially securing eight years in state parliament for Quaremba and former Liberal senator Cory Bernardi, who has since joined One Nation.
One Nation is contesting all 47 lower-house seats, a significant increase from the 19 seats it contested in 2022, when it received 2.6% of the vote. The party anticipates strong support in regional areas where Labor is less competitive, including Narungga, Mount Gambier, and MacKillop.
‘Pauline and the gang have got the answers’
At a polling station in Adelaide’s northern suburbs on Saturday, voters Chris and Tracey expressed their support for One Nation, citing a need for “big changes” in the country. Chris, a self-described “working man” who previously voted Labor, stated his belief that “Pauline and the gang have got the answers.”
While One Nation’s campaign has been bolstered by support from figures like Gina Rinehart, who provided an aircraft for campaigning, the party’s advertising spend on Meta platforms ($1,980 in the 30 days to March 13) is significantly lower than that of Labor ($81,000) and the Liberals ($67,000). However, new electoral laws in South Australia, banning donations, may provide One Nation with a financial windfall through increased public funding based on its vote share.
Premier Peter Malinauskas has criticized the apparent contradiction of Pauline Hanson campaigning on behalf of “the battlers” while traveling on Rinehart’s private jet. Bernardi, however, has indicated a shift in focus towards cost-of-living issues, potentially broadening the party’s appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What seat is One Nation targeting in South Australia?
One Nation is focusing on the seat of Schubert, currently held by the state opposition leader, Ashton Hurn.
Who attended the One Nation campaign launch?
The campaign launch was attended by approximately 60 people, as well as One Nation state president Carlos Quaremba and New South Wales senator Sean Bell.
What is One Nation’s current polling support?
Three separate opinion polls in February indicated One Nation’s primary vote was in the 20s, ahead of the Liberal Party.
As voters cast their ballots, the question remains: will One Nation’s message resonate beyond its core supporters and translate into seats in parliament?
