Albanese vows migration cuts as One Nation surges past Labor in polls
Newspoll shows One Nation at 31% as housing crisis fuels anti-immigration sentiment
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Monday vowed to reduce migration levels after a Newspoll revealed right-wing populist One Nation party at 31% support, ahead of the governing Labor Party at 30%. The survey of 1,240 people, published in The Australian, also showed Albanese's net approval rating at minus 24 — his lowest since the 2022 election — with only 36% satisfied and 60% dissatisfied. This is the second major poll in a week to show One Nation leading, following a Redbridge Group/Accent Research survey in the Australian Financial Review that marked the first time Pauline Hanson's party topped a national poll.
The surge comes amid growing voter frustration over cost-of-living pressures, higher interest rates, and a federal budget widely seen as failing to ease household strain. Housing shortages have become a central issue, with One Nation blaming high net migration for exacerbating the crisis. Albanese's response — promising lower migration — signals a pivot as the government tries to stem the loss of support. The poll underscores a sharp rightward shift in Australian politics, with potential implications for immigration policy and the broader electoral landscape ahead of the next election.
- One Nation support reached 31% in a Newspoll, surpassing Labor's 30% for the first time in a major survey.
- Albanese's net approval fell to minus 24, with only 36% of Australians satisfied with his performance.
- The 1,240-person poll reflects frustration over housing shortages, cost-of-living, and interest rates, driving anti-migration sentiment.
Why It Matters
Poll signals a major political shift in Australia, forcing Labor to urgently address housing and migration to regain voter trust.