Support for One Nation has surged in the first Newspoll of the year, with the minor party now ranked as Australia’s second most popular political force, overtaking the Coalition and signalling deepening voter frustration with the major parties.

The polling shows Labor’s primary vote sitting at 32 percent, down four points, while One Nation has jumped seven points to 22 percent. The Coalition has slipped to 21 percent, down three points, and the Greens sit at 12 percent, down one.

Key Insights from the Poll

Anthony Albanese remains the preferred prime minister at 51 percent, although his support has dropped by three points. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley recorded a four-point lift to 31 percent, indicating a shift in political dynamics.

Heated Exchanges on Sunrise

The shock results sparked a heated exchange on Sunrise on Monday morning, with One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce and Environment and Water Minister Murray Watt clashing over immigration, cost of living, and the decline of support for the major parties.

“What One Nation has done is given people licence for an alternative,” said Joyce.

Joyce asserted that One Nation’s support extended beyond conservative voters, emphasizing widespread discontent with the political establishment.

Focus on Cost-of-Living Relief

Watt countered Joyce’s arguments by stressing that the government remains focused on assisting Australians with cost-of-living pressures while addressing emerging concerns.

“Clearly, we’ve got to listen to the Australian people,” Watt remarked, while Joyce insisted on the need for a decisive stance on immigration and societal issues.