Guardian Essential report: does One Nation have a fix for social isolation? - podcast
News Source
β’Thu, 03 Sep 2026 03:30:42 GMT
π° What Happened
This Guardian Essential podcast looks at One Nation's latest political win. The party flipped the Labor seat of Secret Harbour in a Western Australian by-election. Reporter Krishani Dhanji and pollster Peter Lewis discuss what the result means for the upcoming Victorian state election.
They also explore how One Nation is tapping into low social engagement and loneliness. They ask whether Labor has a better answer for voters who feel left behind during uncertain times.
π The Backstory
One Nation, led by Pauline Hanson, has been a regular force in Australian politics since the 1990s. Its populist message often targets people who feel ignored by the major parties. Recent polls have also shown the national leader struggling with low approval ratings.
The Essential poll is a regular snapshot of what Australians think. This episode uses the poll numbers to dig into why some voters are turning away from the big parties and what that means for elections ahead.
π― Why It Matters
Political shifts like this shape who runs the country and what policies get passed. Understanding why people feel disconnected helps explain surprise election results, from state by-elections to federal votes.
This Guardian Essential podcast looks at One Nation's latest political win. The party flipped the Labor seat of Secret Harbour in a Western Australian by-election. Reporter Krishani Dhanji and pollster Peter Lewis discuss what the result means for the upcoming Victorian state election.
They also explore how One Nation is tapping into low social engagement and loneliness. They ask whether Labor has a better answer for voters who feel left behind during uncertain times.
One Nation, led by Pauline Hanson, has been a regular force in Australian politics since the 1990s. Its populist message often targets people who feel ignored by the major parties. Recent polls have also shown the national leader struggling with low approval ratings.
The Essential poll is a regular snapshot of what Australians think. This episode uses the poll numbers to dig into why some voters are turning away from the big parties and what that means for elections ahead.
Political shifts like this shape who runs the country and what policies get passed. Understanding why people feel disconnected helps explain surprise election results, from state by-elections to federal votes.