Coalition Tensions Continue as Minor Party Makes Strategic Move
As federal Coalition negotiations remain deadlocked, Pauline Hanson has positioned One Nation for a significant challenge in South Australia’s March 21 state election. The minor party announced former Liberal senator Cory Bernardi will lead its upper house ticket, marking a high-profile attempt to capitalize on recent polling gains.
Coalition Negotiations Stalled
Sources confirm Liberal leader Sussan Ley presented National Party counterparts with stringent reunification terms this week. The proposed conditions reportedly include enforcing shadow cabinet solidarity and temporarily sidelining three Nationals MPs who broke ranks on recent legislation. National Party leader David Littleproud stated officials would carefully review the formal proposal before responding.
‘The Nationals are united in our endeavors to reset the Coalition, but we won’t be providing updates on any negotiations through the media,’ Littleproud confirmed in an official response.
One Nation’s Electoral Gambit
Political observers note Hanson’s recruitment of Bernardi represents a strategic play for conservative votes. The former Liberal senator, who left the party in 2017 to form his own short-lived conservative movement, will attempt to translate One Nation’s recent national polling strength into state parliamentary seats.
The party faces challenges in South Australia following the defection of its only sitting MP last year. Sarah Game, elected in 2022 as One Nation’s first SA parliamentarian, cited branding concerns when leaving to become an independent.
Polling Landscape and Leadership Pressures
Recent surveys show One Nation securing 26% national support, creating pressure on both major parties. Analysts suggest these numbers have intensified leadership tensions within the Liberals, where centrist leader Ley faces potential challenges from conservative rivals.
While Labor remains favored to retain government given the opposition’s internal difficulties, the election will provide crucial data on whether minor parties can convert polling momentum into actual votes. A similar attempt by Nick Xenophon’s team in 2018 failed dramatically despite strong pre-election polling.
Coalition Dynamics in Parliament
The ongoing Liberal-National split became visibly evident in parliament this week as members sat in separate blocks. Multiple sources described tense dynamics during party meetings, with one insider noting ‘you could cut the air with a knife’ during discussions.
Some political operatives speculate the protracted negotiations may benefit Ley’s leadership position by allowing broader frontbench appointments to consolidate support. The Liberal leader has reportedly threatened to announce a permanent all-Liberal shadow ministry if Coalition talks fail this week.
Meanwhile, potential challenger Angus Taylor continues monitoring support levels ahead of possible leadership moves next week. With conservative Andrew Hastie withdrawing from contention, Taylor remains the sole right-wing alternative to Ley’s leadership.
