Australia's Treasurer Chalmers warns of 'binary choice' as One Nation soars

Chalmers told a Sky News live programme on Tuesday evening: "Australians now face two clear options: a stable Labor government with shared revenue, or a polarising populist alternative." The Newspoll showed One Nation support rising 9 points year-on-year to 18%, while the Liberal-National Coalition slid to 16%. Labor still leads at 35%.

Coalition leader Sussan Ley said at the Liberal Party headquarters: "Labor's failed economic policy is pushing voters to marginal positions; the Treasurer is refusing to accept the political consequence of his own policy." Pauline Hanson said in Brisbane: "The Australian people want to take control back from mainstream parties."

The poll showed the Liberal Party losing votes to One Nation in western Sydney and Brisbane-area seats. University of Sydney professor Sarah Cameron told ABC: "In upcoming elections, the effect of preferential voting will be decisive for the Coalition." The next federal general election is expected in mid-2027.