Why One Nation’s rise in Victoria is good for democracy

September 13, 2026 — 5:01am

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As psephologists gradually realise that a clairvoyant has more chance of predicting the Victorian election, there’s one direct benefit to the political uncertainty: the much mocked, disliked, analysed and confusing beast that is One Nation has improved the contest and given democracy a boost.

With all its faults, One Nation has challenged the complacency and arrogance that have defined modern politics, forcing the major parties to think beyond their massaged focus groups and actually listen to the electorate.

That’s healthy. The question now is whether Ben Carroll and Jess Wilson read the room, show the strength to defy what has become convention, attempt to engage with voters properly, and understand that authenticity is not political poison.

Over decades the major players have seen One Nation supporters as thick-headed bogans who want to deport all immigrants and whip graffiti vandals. That no longer stands up. Look at the polls and interstate results. This is a popular and growing movement, and there aren’t that many rednecks in the country.

The party has given genuine and decent disengaged voters hope that at last someone is listening. It may be false hope, but it’s working, and the major parties are starting to understand why.

One Nation can’t be entirely driving its own success. It lacks much. Pauline Hanson has been around for decades and achieved little. She is inarticulate and seems bereft of the depth and focus required for high office.

The party looks dysfunctional and any serious role in a minority government in........

© The Age