The Guardian Essential poll released this week shows the Liberal‑National Coalition’s primary‑vote share has fallen to its lowest level ever, while the right‑wing One Nation party surged to a primary vote of 25 percent. At the same time, more than half of Australians surveyed said they want the country’s migrant intake reduced and backed hard‑line enforcement measures such as forced deportation.
The poll indicates that the Coalition has been unable to capitalise on growing criticism of the Labor government, leaving the opposition stuck at a historically low primary‑vote figure. By contrast, One Nation’s primary‑vote share climbed sharply, reaching a quarter of the electorate according to the survey.
Immigration emerged as a dominant issue in the poll, with a majority of respondents expressing a desire to cut the number of migrants allowed into Australia. The same respondents also voiced support for stringent enforcement policies, including the forced removal of people deemed to be in the country illegally.
Immigration has long been a polarising topic in Australian politics, influencing party platforms and voter sentiment. Parties on both the left and right have framed the debate around economic, cultural, and security concerns, and the latest poll figures suggest that public opinion is leaning toward more restrictive policies.
Analysts note that the poll’s results could pose significant challenges for the Coalition as it approaches the next federal election, while providing a potential boost for One Nation, which may seek to leverage its rising support on immigration and law‑and‑order themes.
<small>Source: The Guardian — read the original story there.</small>
