What One Nation’s latest victory means for the major parties – podcast
Guardian AU
•Mon, 31 Aug 2026 15:00:29 GMT
📰 What Happened
The Guardian's Full Story podcast examined One Nation's byelection victory in the Western Australian seat of Secret Harbour, a result that was a massive blow to a safe Labor stronghold. Political editor Tom McIlroy joined host Reged Ahmad to unpack One Nation's rise and how Labor is struggling to respond. The episode explored what the win means for the major parties heading into the next elections.
🔍 The Backstory
One Nation's Secret Harbour win came as voter frustration over cost-of-living issues boils over across Australia. The party has been building momentum beyond its traditional Queensland base, and the byelection result is widely read as a protest signal about the major parties' handling of economic pressures.
🎯 Why It Matters
The result shows minor-party protest votes are growing in previously safe Labor territory, sharpening the electoral stakes ahead of the next federal election. It also puts pressure on the major parties to find a response to voters angry about the cost of living.
The Guardian's Full Story podcast examined One Nation's byelection victory in the Western Australian seat of Secret Harbour, a result that was a massive blow to a safe Labor stronghold. Political editor Tom McIlroy joined host Reged Ahmad to unpack One Nation's rise and how Labor is struggling to respond. The episode explored what the win means for the major parties heading into the next elections.
One Nation's Secret Harbour win came as voter frustration over cost-of-living issues boils over across Australia. The party has been building momentum beyond its traditional Queensland base, and the byelection result is widely read as a protest signal about the major parties' handling of economic pressures.
The result shows minor-party protest votes are growing in previously safe Labor territory, sharpening the electoral stakes ahead of the next federal election. It also puts pressure on the major parties to find a response to voters angry about the cost of living.