Politics
One Nation’s polling rise draws Australia’s lobbying industry beyond major parties
Lobbyists are broadening their political ties as Pauline Hanson’s One Nation gains support and wins business attention. Upcoming state elections will test whether the party can turn strong polling into seats.
CANBERRA, Australia — Lobbyists are expanding their relationships beyond Australia’s traditional major parties as support for Pauline Hanson’s One Nation grows, raising the possibility of a more competitive political landscape after decades of two-party dominance.
The shift follows One Nation’s May by-election victory in the federal electorate of Farrer and rising poll numbers. Lobbyists say business interest in the party has increased over recent months, as firms adopt a more “multipartisan” approach to political engagement.
Hanson addressed the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s annual business summit earlier this month, her first speech to the gathering. ACCI chief executive Andrew McKellar said the party “can’t be ignored,” in comments on ABC News Breakfast.
The party’s electoral prospects will face a test in Victoria, where voters go to the polls on Nov. 28. Polls cited in recent coverage put One Nation’s primary vote between 20% and 36%, depending on the state. Those figures do not guarantee parliamentary representation; the Victorian election will show whether the party can convert support into seats.
One Nation is also preparing for a New South Wales election scheduled for March. A stronger showing in either state could further encourage businesses and lobbyists to engage with the party, which was founded about 30 years ago.
Australia’s political system has been dominated for roughly 80 years by the major parties. One Nation’s growing support has prompted talk of a possible three-way contest, but the upcoming elections will provide a clearer measure of whether that shift is taking hold.