From Abc · · 1m 50s
Labor warns One Nation won't fade away
As the populist right gains ground, Labor's leaders say the party must address voter anger rather than hope the challenge disappears.
In brief
As the populist right gains ground, Labor's leaders say the party must address voter anger rather than hope the challenge disappears. Treasurer Jim Chalmers warned Labor cannot expect One Nation to fade, urging the party to address economic frustrations driving voters to the populist right instead of dismissing them…
Albanese says Labor will prevail
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told Labor colleagues the party would kick with the wind in the fourth quarter and prevail over political opponents when it mattered.
Albanese denies feeling spooked
Albanese said he was not spooked by the twenty four hour news cycle driving pressure on Labor to respond to poor polling and One Nation speculation.
Chalmers warns against dismissing One Nation
Treasurer Jim Chalmers said One Nation's political momentum was unlikely to disappear quickly and Labor must address economic frustrations driving voters toward the party.
“Nobody expects polls to change much any time soon, it would be more surprising if they did.”
Economic pressure fuels One Nation
Chalmers said economic pressures had shifted the ground under Australians and made them feel disconnected from opportunity and disregarded as change happened around them.
Don't mock One Nation voters
Chalmers urged progressives not to scold, mock or talk down to voters attracted to One Nation's message of returning to an idealised version of the past.
“Our role as progressives is not to scold those who see appeal in that message. It's not to mock them or 'cancel' them or talk down to them.”
Left became party of status quo
Chalmers argued progressive parties contributed to their own difficulties by becoming associated with defending existing institutions and economic arrangements rather than change.
“Perhaps a key mistake made by parties of the left is that in their defence of democracy and institutions they've also inadvertently become the party of the status quo.”
Albanese focuses on cost of living
Albanese said his focus was on addressing immediate issues such as cost of living pressures and getting inflation down while building strength in the economy.
Hanson attacks Labor's business record
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson said too many government figures lack business experience and criticized the treasurer for having no private sector background.
“Too many people in this government have never run a business. Yet, they're very confident telling people who do run businesses how to do it.”
The bottom line
Treasurer Jim Chalmers warned Labor cannot expect One Nation to fade, urging the party to address economic frustrations driving voters to the populist right instead of dismissing them.
