In a detailed examination of One Nation's recent election platform, the party's positions on climate change, energy, immigration, and education reveal a stark departure from mainstream Australian political discourse. The platform, which reads at times like fringe conspiracy theories, has drawn criticism for its rejection of established science and its embrace of controversial policies.
Climate Change Denial and Energy Policy
One Nation's climate change platform dismisses the overwhelming scientific consensus that human activity drives global warming. Instead, it suggests volcanic ash and changes in the Earth's rotational tilt are more likely causes, resurrecting long-debunked arguments like the 2009 Climategate "scandal." The party questions the risks of rising sea levels, citing examples like the Maldives and Pacific island nations that have seen land area increase, while neglecting to mention that this is largely due to reclamation efforts against encroaching waters.
On net zero emissions targets, One Nation labels the policy as "a vehicle for creating a socialist Australia in which citizens are forced under comprehensive government control." This rhetoric aligns with its proposal to build three new coal-fired power plants at former sites, without detailing funding sources. The party also opposes expanding protected natural forests for logging and seeks to ban offshore wind projects, positioning itself firmly against renewable energy initiatives.
Immigration and Education Stances
One Nation's immigration policy includes reinstating temporary protection visas, withdrawing from the UN Convention on Refugees, and deporting 75,000 visa overstayers and illegal immigrants. However, the platform lacks specifics on how such mass deportations would be implemented. When questioned about similarities to controversial ICE raids in the United States, defector Barnaby Joyce reportedly reddened and struggled to respond.
In education, the party advocates for restoring critical thinking by eliminating "Western, white, gender, guilt shaming" from classrooms. It promotes a merit-based, free-thinking society, yet critics argue that much of its platform relies on dubious information and grievance-driven narratives, undermining its own calls for rationality.
Political Context and Voter Sentiment
Despite One Nation's surge in primary votes, its electoral impact may be limited by preference flows. Disaffected Nationals voters are unlikely to preference Labor or the Greens after One Nation, and Liberal defectors may similarly rank major parties higher. The prospect of a Hanson-led government remains remote, especially with the leader aging and the next federal election years away.
Nevertheless, One Nation's renewed popularity highlights underlying voter grievances. As major parties fail to address fears and aspirations, some Australians are gravitating toward alternatives that at least appear to listen. This shift underscores the need for mainstream parties to reconnect with disillusioned voters or risk further erosion of their support bases.
The broader implications of One Nation's platform extend beyond policy debates, touching on Australia's commitment to climate action, social cohesion, and evidence-based governance. As political landscapes evolve, the tension between populist rhetoric and substantive solutions will likely shape future electoral dynamics.
