Pauline Hanson has declared that the historic surge in One Nation votes during the South Australian election is 'just the start' of her party's political earthquake, signalling a potential upheaval in Australian politics.
Unexpected Vote Surge Shakes Up Election
While Labor was widely expected to easily win Saturday's election, political observers focused intently on One Nation and whether the party could meet polling expectations. The ALP's re-election was called by ABC News when just 2.1 per cent of ballots had been counted, but the real story emerged in the vote distribution.
Labor ultimately held 45.7 per cent of the vote, with the Liberals trailing at 15.6 per cent. Most strikingly, One Nation captured 19.5 per cent in metropolitan seats, representing a significant breakthrough for the party that has yet to win a single seat in the lower house.
'A Movement That Is Happening'
Addressing supporters on Saturday night, Hanson proclaimed: 'This is the start of it, and I'm going to go after Farrer and we're going to look at the state Victorian elections. People are crying out for One Nation down there so there is a movement that is happening.'
The One Nation leader insisted this wasn't merely a protest vote, declaring: 'You have no idea what the hell has happened in this country, there is a movement and there is an undercurrent and it is people saying we've had a gutful, we want our country back.'
Despite the party's lack of parliamentary seats, Hanson remains confident in what she calls her 'orange wave', though she acknowledged uncertainty about the final seat count: 'We don't know if we're going to have one, two, three seats. We're not sure.'
Political Experts See Watershed Moment
Before polls closed, Adelaide University emeritus professor of politics Clem Macintyre warned that One Nation's rise could create a watershed moment in Australian politics, potentially signalling the end of two-party politics at the federal level.
'If they do make a breakthrough, they're going to have to work hard to be a more serious and viable alternative government,' he told AAP. 'It's more frustration with the major parties... I think we can still say One Nation is a party of disaffected voters.'
Hanson's Parting Warning to Premier
Hanson concluded her speech with a pointed message for newly re-elected Premier Peter Malinauskas: 'Guess what mate? I'm leaving you some landmines – they're called One Nation members of parliament. I suggest don't step on them because they will explode, and that's what we're here for – to ensure you get good representation, good government with a good opposition which you have not had in this state for a long time.'
Labor Victory Amid Changing Political Landscape
Malinauskas and his family later arrived at a buzzing Labor headquarters to celebrate his party's success, though he struck a cautious tone about the victory.
'Although this is the best result our party has ever achieved, it's very important that no one confuses tonight's result as adulation,' he said, adding that it was a sign his state government should 'work our guts out for the next four years.'
The Premier acknowledged Liberal leader Ashton Hurn and One Nation's Cory Bernardi, promising to work with them over the next four years: 'I say to both Ashton and Cory Bernardi, along with leaders of other political parties elected to the Parliament tonight, that my government stands ready to work with each and every one of you for as long as it is in the interests of South Australians.'
Opposition Leaders Respond to Results
In her concession speech, Hurn confirmed she would continue to lead her party: 'It's been a pleasure to be your leader for this campaign and I'm looking forward to leading this party well into the future for the next four years and making sure that we continue to climb back bigger and better.'
The Liberal leader added: 'Whilst the voters didn't give us the nod this time, we'll keep fighting to earn their respect into the future. The voters never get it wrong and they've sent us a clear message and it's up to us now to heed that advice and to look forward with a true sense of optimism, because like you, I do see an optimism in South Australia.'
The South Australian election results suggest a shifting political landscape where traditional party dominance faces increasing challenge from emerging political movements, with One Nation positioning itself as a significant force in future contests.
