South Australians Rally for One Nation Ahead of State Elections

A crowd of approximately 60 gathered at the Williamstown Soldiers’ Memorial Hall on a Friday evening for the launch of the One Nation candidate Bruce Preece‘s campaign ahead of the South Australian state elections scheduled for March 21, 2024. The event featured speeches from prominent party members, including state president Carlos Quaremba and New South Wales senator Sean Bell, both of whom sought to energize supporters disillusioned with major political parties.

Preece’s campaign manager, John Tate, donned a One Nation t-shirt and led the audience in the national anthem, a move reflecting the party’s appeal to traditional values. Quaremba addressed the crowd, asserting that the upcoming election represents a critical opportunity for voters to express their dissatisfaction with what he termed the “uniparty”—a term he uses to describe both Labor and Liberal parties in South Australia. Quaremba emphasized the rising petrol prices, which have reached nearly $3 per litre in some regions, attributing this crisis to government mismanagement.

One Nation’s growing support is evident in recent polling, which suggests the party’s primary vote has surged into the 20s, placing it ahead of the Liberal Party. Should One Nation secure a win in the Schubert electorate, currently held by opposition leader Ashton Hurn, it could signal significant shifts in South Australian politics, potentially leading to the Liberals losing their longstanding grip on the state.

One Nation’s Strategy and Campaign Challenges

The party has ambitious plans, running candidates in all 47 lower house seats in South Australia. This marks a significant increase from the 19 seats contested in the 2022 elections, where One Nation garnered only 2.6% of the vote. Current expectations suggest that One Nation could capture two of the eleven upper house seats, ensuring Quaremba and former Liberal senator Cory Bernardi a presence in the state parliament for the next eight years.

Despite the optimism, some political insiders remain skeptical about One Nation’s ability to convert this momentum into tangible electoral success. They draw parallels to the 2018 election cycle when the SA-Best party experienced a similar rise in popularity but ultimately failed to secure seats. Even Bernardi, while expressing hope for the campaign, acknowledged the challenges ahead, stating, “Any voice is a step forward.”

The introduction of new electoral laws restricting donations has complicated the campaign financing landscape for One Nation. In the lead-up to the elections, the party has spent approximately $1,980 on advertising across social media platforms, significantly less than the amounts leveraged by the major parties, which have spent considerably more during the same period.

Voter Sentiment and the Call for Change

As voting commenced, long lines formed at locations like the Playford Civic Centre, a testament to the heightened engagement from constituents. Many voters expressed a desire for substantial change, with individuals like Chris, an irrigation technician, articulating frustrations with the current government. He lamented, “We need big changes in this country, mate. Pauline and the gang have got the answers.”

The campaign launch also revealed a collection of grievances voiced by attendees, ranging from concerns over immigration to dissatisfaction with government spending. This sentiment aligns with Quaremba’s assertion that One Nation is not merely a “grievance party” but rather a platform for addressing the issues that resonate with everyday Australians.

While some critics question One Nation’s approach, particularly regarding its stance on policies and social issues, the party is attempting to broaden its appeal by focusing on immediate economic concerns. Bernardi, while maintaining his traditional views, has acknowledged the need to address cost-of-living issues, a shift that may help the party connect with a wider audience.

The outcome of the South Australian state elections on March 21 will serve as an important indicator of One Nation’s viability as a political force. With a mix of enthusiasm and skepticism surrounding their campaign, the party’s ability to galvanize support and secure seats in parliament remains under close scrutiny.