According to Roy Morgan research published in 2026, immigrant voting intentions in Australia diverge sharply by country of birth, with South African-born electors recording the highest support for One Nation at 36%, while Asian-born communities favor traditional major parties like Labor and the Coalition.
One Nation Support Concentrated Among Specific Migrant Cohorts
New polling data shows that voting habits among Australia’s multicultural population are far from monolithic. According to a representative cross-section of 26,418 electors surveyed by Roy Morgan during the first seven months of 2026, South African-born voters lead support for One Nation at 36%, followed by electors born in Italy at 30%, and mainland Europe as a whole at 29%.
These figures sit well above the national average of 24% for all electors. Meanwhile, voters born in Australia (25%), the United Kingdom (23%), and New Zealand (24%) track closely with the overall electorate, according to the research.
Did you know? Smaller immigrant cohorts not ranked in the top 20 immigrant nations, such as those born in Greece and Israel, also record significantly higher-than-average support for One Nation, according to Roy Morgan CEO Michele Levine.
Asian Diasporas Drive Strong Support for Labor and Coalition
In contrast to right-wing populist momentum, Asian-born electors favor the traditional major parties. According to the data, support for the Australian Labor Party is highest among those born in Vietnam (57%), Nepal (52%), Sri Lanka (49%), Mainland China (46%), Pakistan (46%), Malaysia (44%), and India (43%). Even among the Philippines-born diaspora—the lowest among Asian groups—Labor commands 38% support, beating the national average of 34%.
Coalition support also finds a strong foothold in these communities. Immigrants from Mainland China (34%), India (33%), Nepal (30%), the Philippines (30%), Vietnam (29%), Malaysia (29%), and Sri Lanka (27%) back the L-NP at competitive rates. Conversely, immigrants from Pakistan (12%), Italy (18%), and the UK (19%) show the lowest preference for the Coalition.
Greens Gain Ground Among Pakistan-Born Electors
The Greens secure 13% of the total vote nationally, but support spikes among specific demographics. According to Roy Morgan findings, support for the Greens reaches 32% among Pakistan-born Australians—more than double the support recorded in any other major immigrant group. This is likely due to the visibility of prominent Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi, the first Pakistan-born Australian elected to federal parliament.
Political Stakes Ahead of Upcoming Elections
Understanding these demographic voting patterns carries weight for political strategists. According to Ms. Levine, these shifting sentiments represent a vital element for parties to evaluate ahead of state elections in Victoria and New South Wales, alongside the federal election due by September 2028.
| Party | National Average (2026) | Key Supporting Migrant Groups |
|---|---|---|
| Labor (ALP) | 34% | Vietnam (57%), Nepal (52%), Sri Lanka (49%) |
| One Nation | 24% | South Africa (36%), Italy (30%) |
| L-NP Coalition | 22% | Mainland China (34%), India (33%) |
| The Greens | 13% | Pakistan (32%) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which migrant group shows the highest support for One Nation?
According to Roy Morgan analysis, electors born in South Africa record the highest support for One Nation at 36%, followed closely by Italian-born electors at 30%.
How do Asian-born Australians vote compared to the national average?
Asian-born electors favor traditional major parties. Labor support exceeds 40% among immigrants from Mainland China, India, Vietnam, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Pakistan, outpacing the 34% national average.
What drives high Greens support among Pakistan-born Australians?
Research indicates that 32% of Pakistan-born Australians support the Greens, likely driven by the influence of Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi.
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