In recent months, Australia has witnessed a significant rise in the One Nation party, a right-wing political group, which has outpaced the ruling Labor Party led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in consecutive opinion polls. This shift follows the tragic Bondi terrorist attack in December 2025, where around 16 lives were lost at the hands of a man and his son during the Jewish community’s celebration of Hanukkah.
The rise of One Nation can also be attributed to the increasing cost of living and the government’s failure to manage the tax situation, which has caused widespread anger among Australians. Additionally, the issue of immigration has exacerbated housing costs, further fueling public discontent. Albanese’s government has faced backlash for allowing the return of ISIS brides from Syria in two recent waves, despite the strong objections from millions of Australians. This move contradicted Albanese’s earlier statement in February, where he assured that his Labor government would not facilitate the return of 34 Australian women and children connected to the ISIS terrorist organization from Syria.
Undoubtedly, the policies of the major parties—both Labor and the Liberals—have angered many Australians. These parties have included a considerable number of left-leaning members who appear to have abandoned the values and traditions that Australians hold dear. One Nation has consistently championed the slogan “Australia and Australian values first” since its inception, resonating with voters who feel let down by the government’s lenient policies toward ISIS affiliates, which are seen as part of a broader Islamic extremist agenda.
Concerns are growing about the potential infiltration of major Australian parties by these extremist groups, reminiscent of how some European governments, including that of England, have been compromised. This has led to a deterioration in the trust of Australian voters towards these established parties. According to the latest opinion poll, One Nation has achieved a historic milestone by securing 31% of the vote, while the Labor Party has dropped to 28% and the Coalition stands at 20%.
