Populist One Nation's latest victory points to a thirst for unity. But there are better ways to feel connected | Peter Lewis
News Source
β’Tue, 01 Sep 2026 23:23:12 GMT
π° What Happened
One Nation has won a byelection at Secret Harbour on the weekend. Many people dismiss this as the politics of anger and exclusion. But pollster Peter Lewis says there is more to understand. He says the party also taps into a nostalgia for belonging and shared identity.
The latest Guardian Essential report backs this idea. Fewer people are joining clubs, unions, and community groups. One-third of those surveyed have never joined anything at all. Australians feel more distant from their leaders and from each other.
Lewis first wrote about this ten years ago. He argued then that the first act of resistance is to join something. He now says that project is even more urgent.
π The Backstory
Pauline Hanson's One Nation party has risen and fallen for decades. It often wins votes during times of change and uncertainty. Its name seems to offer a patriotic resistance to the status quo. Like other populist movements, it is rising at a time of social atomisation.
Populist parties are growing around the globe. They tend to rise when people feel isolated and cut off from others. When people lose connections, they look for strong leaders and simple answers.
The Essential poll has tracked membership for ten years. It shows a steady drop in joining things. That shift is undermining faith in the big institutions of society. Lewis argues the best cure is to reconnect with other people.
π― Why It Matters
When people lose community ties, they often turn to populist parties. Joining a local group can rebuild that connection. It is a small act with big power for democracy.
One Nation has won a byelection at Secret Harbour on the weekend. Many people dismiss this as the politics of anger and exclusion. But pollster Peter Lewis says there is more to understand. He says the party also taps into a nostalgia for belonging and shared identity.
The latest Guardian Essential report backs this idea. Fewer people are joining clubs, unions, and community groups. One-third of those surveyed have never joined anything at all. Australians feel more distant from their leaders and from each other.
Lewis first wrote about this ten years ago. He argued then that the first act of resistance is to join something. He now says that project is even more urgent.
Pauline Hanson's One Nation party has risen and fallen for decades. It often wins votes during times of change and uncertainty. Its name seems to offer a patriotic resistance to the status quo. Like other populist movements, it is rising at a time of social atomisation.
Populist parties are growing around the globe. They tend to rise when people feel isolated and cut off from others. When people lose connections, they look for strong leaders and simple answers.
The Essential poll has tracked membership for ten years. It shows a steady drop in joining things. That shift is undermining faith in the big institutions of society. Lewis argues the best cure is to reconnect with other people.
When people lose community ties, they often turn to populist parties. Joining a local group can rebuild that connection. It is a small act with big power for democracy.