Barnaby Joyce’s Shocking Admission: One Nation Will Hold the Balance of Power in Next Federal Election
- One Nation is poised to win multiple seats in the upcoming federal election, according to Barnaby Joyce
- The party’s surge in popularity has made it a credible threat to the Coalition’s conservative vote
- Joyce hints at a possible deal with the Coalition to secure policy outcomes in exchange for supply and confidence
Barnaby Joyce has made a bold prediction ahead of One Nation’s first major test with voters, claiming the party will poll number one in many seats and potentially hold the balance of power in the next federal election. In an interview with ABC’s Insiders, Joyce accused the major parties of targeting One Nation and trying to undercut the populist party through preference deals. He argued that this tactic would ultimately backfire, as One Nation’s popularity continues to surge among disaffected voters looking for an alternative to the embattled Liberals and Nationals.
The upcoming South Australian election, which takes place next Saturday, will be the first major electoral race since One Nation’s boost in the polls last year. Ex-Liberal Cory Bernardi is running on the party’s ticket for a seat in the lower house, and Joyce is confident that One Nation will perform strongly. However, he believes that the major parties will try to undermine One Nation’s chances through preference deals, which he claims would be a desperate attempt to cling to power.
When asked about the Farrer by-election, where One Nation is seeking its second lower house seat in federal parliament, Joyce made a startling claim. He said that if the Liberals and Nationals candidates ranked independent Michelle Milthorpe above One Nation on their how-to-vote cards, it would signal the end of the two conservative parties. This, he argued, would be a clear indication that they would prefer a “climate change candidate” to another conservative party.
Analysis: What This Means for Australia
If One Nation does hold the balance of power in the next federal election, it could have significant implications for national security, law enforcement, and community safety. The party’s populist agenda and anti-immigration stance could lead to a shift in the country’s approach to border control and national security. Additionally, One Nation’s influence could also impact the economy and social policies, potentially leading to a more fragmented and divisive society.
Security analysts say that One Nation’s rise to power could create uncertainty and instability in Australian politics, potentially emboldening extremist groups and threatening community cohesion. Law enforcement insiders warn that the party’s anti-immigration rhetoric could lead to increased tensions and violence in multicultural communities. Industry observers believe that One Nation’s influence could also have significant economic consequences, potentially leading to a decline in trade and investment.
