One Nation has redrawn the electoral map as it maintains its lead as the number one political party in the country.
According to the latest Sky News Pulse / YouGov survey, conducted from June 9 to 16, One Nation has captured 28 per cent of the primary vote, ahead of Labor on 26 per cent.
The Coalition trailed on 21 per cent, with the Greens capturing 13 per cent and independent or other parties at 12 per cent.
Labor led both the Coalition and One Nation on a 52-48 two-party preferred basis among all voters, but this was heavily divided by age.
Seventy per cent of the two-party preferred vote among 18-34 year-olds would go to Labor, while 58 per cent of people aged over 50 had their votes directed to One Nation.
Fundamental redrawing of the electoral map
YouGov’s Director of Public Data Paul Smith said the poll result pointed to a major shift in voting behaviour, particularly among working-class voters.
“Our poll shows One Nation’s surge in primary vote support among working-class voters is no fluke but a fundamental redrawing of the electoral map in Australia,” he said.
“The battle is now on between Labor and One Nation for working-class voters who are the majority of voters in the majority of electorates and will decide the next election.”
One Nation slipped one point from the previous poll, after which Barnaby Joyce blundered the party’s housing policy and was forced to make a correction in an interview with Sky News.
Mr Joyce initially suggested that permanent residents would be forced to sell their homes under One Nation policy.
He later clarified that One Nation policy was only to force foreign owners not living in Australia to sell their homes.
The episode formed part of broader scrutiny about One Nation’s policies, as Labor continues to suggest Pauline Hanson comes up with problems, not solutions.
Despite the criticism, there has been a growing acceptance of Ms Hanson’s party as a potential government-in-waiting.
Polling showed 50 per cent of voters believe One Nation was already ready to govern today, and a further 33 per cent saying the party will be ready by the 2028 election.
Thirty-eight per cent also said they would seriously consider voting for One Nation in an election, equal to Labor’s appeal and ahead of the Coalition on 31 per cent.
Leadership and preferred prime minister
Despite One Nation’s strong primary vote performance, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese retained a lead as the country’s preferred leader.
Mr Albanese led Opposition Leader Angus Taylor 43-38 on preferred prime minister and led Ms Hanson 48-41, although the margins have narrowed significantly.
Mr Albanese’s net satisfaction remained negative at -25, with 35 per cent satisfied and 60 per cent dissatisfied.
Labor spooked by One Nation rise
Mr Albanese has appeared increasingly concerned by One Nation’s rise, with the Labor Party launching a fundraiser to combat Ms Hanson’s growing popularity.
Labor recently launched a “Stop One Nation” fundraising drive, prompting Ms Hanson to respond with a “Fire the Liar” campaign against Labor.
Ms Hanson has raised more than $4 million in less than a week for her “Fire the Liar” campaign.
One Nation used the funds to send “Fire the Liar” billboard trucks into Mr Albanese’s electorate.
Mr Albanese later rejected suggestions that Labor voters were abandoning the party in large numbers, saying polls were just a moment in time.
“Well, you’re assuming that that’s the case. Polls – what they do is they state a view at a period of time, not necessarily what people vote,” Mr Albanese said.
“Quite clearly, right around the world… There is some frustration with the system and whether the system is working for people.
“That’s something that we’re very conscious of. It’s not enough to identify an issue. What you’ve got to do is identify a solution.”
The poll found 38 per cent of voters would seriously consider voting for One Nation in an election, equal to Labor’s appeal and ahead of the Coalition on 31 per cent.
The Sky News / YouGov survey was conducted between 9 and 16 June among 1,492 voters nationally.