Has One Nation won the 'family feud' of Australian conservatives?

The rise of right-wing populist parties in Australia, such as One Nation, is being linked by some analysts to the long-term effects of neoliberal economic policies. Allan Patience, an honorary fellow at the University of Melbourne, argues that decades of systematically "hollowing out" the Australian economy have led to increased inequality and economic insecurity, creating fertile ground for populism.

“

Over the past four decades, the Australian economy has been systematically hollowed out.

Patience contends that the mainstream Liberal and National parties remain "entrenched" in their commitment to neoliberalism, despite being largely responsible for the economic damage. He criticizes them for ignoring the surge in inequality that drives voters away. Even the current Labor government is not spared, with Patience suggesting some within it are still beholden to neoliberalism, which he deems disastrous for working- and middle-class citizens.

“

In what's left of the Liberal and National parties in the parliament, an entrenched commitment to neoliberalism remains intact, even though they are the very parties most responsible for inflicting so much of neoliberalism's damage on the Australian economy.

As One Nation gains traction in opinion polls and sees defectors from senior Liberal and National ranks, free market think tanks are also reportedly joining the bandwagon. This shift raises questions about whether One Nation supporters will embrace assistance from the same organizations that previously championed the neoliberal policies they now seem to oppose.

“

With their heads buried in the ideological sand, they studiously ignore the fact that surging inequality is a potent factor inciting voters to abandon them in droves.

Notably, organizations that were once strong proponents of "mass immigration" are now aligning with One Nation, which often campaigns against high immigration levels and "inner-city elites." The Institute of Public Affairs (IPA), a neoliberal think tank, is cited as an example. Historically, the IPA criticized figures like Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott for raising concerns about immigration and argued against blaming foreigners for high housing prices. However, the IPA has recently reversed its stance, becoming a vocal critic of high immigration and blaming "inner-city elites" for imposing it on Australians.

“

Some in the Albanese government remain in thrall to neoliberalism even as it has proven to be disastrous for middle- and working-class people across the country.