Key facts
- Liberal frontbencher Dan Tehan stated that a coalition with One Nation is not being discussed.
- Tehan emphasized that the Liberal and National parties aim to govern together.
- Some Liberal and National figures are advocating for closer ties or seat-sharing with One Nation.
- Recent polls show One Nation's primary vote is competitive with Labor, while the Coalition lags.
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese referred to the Liberal, National, and One Nation parties as an 'axis of grievance'.
Liberal frontbencher Dan Tehan has stated that discussions about a coalition with One Nation are not occurring within his party, despite internal divisions and polling that suggests a need for closer ties. Tehan emphasized his preference for the Liberal and National parties to form a coalition and govern together.
While Tehan dismissed the idea of a formal alliance, other figures within the Liberal and National parties hold differing views. Frontbencher Andrew Hastie has declared 'war' on One Nation, while junior shadow minister Tony Pasin has suggested seat-sharing arrangements. Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie indicated she would assist One Nation in campaigning, and former prime minister and Liberal party president Tony Abbott has backed preference deals.
Recent polls indicate that One Nation's primary vote is polling in the high 20s or low 30s, neck-and-neck with Labor, while the Coalition is polling in the high teens or low 20s. Polling experts suggest this division of the conservative vote could make it difficult for the Liberals and Nationals to regain government independently, especially if One Nation secures a significant number of seats at the next election, potentially at the expense of Coalition MPs.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has characterized the Liberal, National, and One Nation parties as an 'axis of grievance,' criticizing their policies and approach. Tehan, responding to questions about the Coalition's polling slide, indicated that the party would continue to criticize Labor's policies, particularly regarding negative gearing and capital gains tax. He reiterated that migration levels should align with housing construction, a point also raised by Angus Taylor in his budget-in-reply speech.