Liberal president Tony Abbott and opposition leader Angus Taylor have indicated a willingness to form preference deals with One Nation, as the party grapples with surging support for Pauline Hanson's movement. Abbott, who returned to a prominent party role, argued that conservative parties should follow the example of Labor and the Greens by directing preferences to each other. Taylor echoed this sentiment, stating the party is prepared to cooperate with "whoever we can to get rid of this rotten Labor government."
Preference Strategy Shift
The Liberals and Nationals are facing a challenging political landscape as One Nation continues to gain traction, threatening to overtake them as Australia's primary conservative force. In recent elections, including the Farrer byelection and the South Australian state election, the Liberals have directed preferences to One Nation over independent candidates, breaking from the John Howard-era policy of rejecting Hanson's candidates. This strategy has caused unease among moderate Liberals, who fear it could alienate urban voters and hinder efforts to reclaim seats lost to teal independents and Labor.
Abbott's Vision for the Party
In an email to Liberal supporters, Abbott sought to reassure members that the party has changed course under new leadership. "We certainly won't win the next election as slaves to focus groups and being a little bit less 'woke' than Labor," he wrote. Abbott also emphasized a "collective determination to work constructively with others who also want a change of government," a subtle reference to potential collaboration with One Nation. As federal Liberal president, Abbott is expected to play a key role in discussions on preference deals ahead of the next federal election, due in 2028.
Taylor's Stance
Opposition leader Angus Taylor echoed Abbott's openness to preference swaps, stating, "We will work with whoever we can to get rid of this rotten Labor government." He highlighted widespread anger among Australians, saying, "People are angry around Australia. I see it all the time. They've had enough of this rotten Labor government that's taking this country in the wrong direction." Taylor's election as opposition leader, alongside Abbott's return as party president, signals a rightward shift for the Liberals, prioritizing the recapture of voters from One Nation over appealing to traditional heartland seats.
Reactions and Polling
The latest Newspoll shows One Nation ahead of Labor for the first time, marking the second consecutive national poll indicating Hanson's party as the most popular in the country. However, Trade Minister Don Farrell dismissed the threat, stating, "The populist parties in this country come and go, they rise and they fall. I don't think Labor has anything to fear from One Nation." The preference deal strategy has sparked debate within the Liberal Party, with moderates warning that aligning with Hanson could damage the party's brand in urban electorates.
