South Australia is entering a phase of heightened political debate as Cory Bernardi, the lead One Nation candidate for the state, outlines a plan to position his party as a leading opposition voice ahead of the next state election. The comments from Bernardi come as One Nation seeks to expand its footprint beyond its traditional support base, signaling a shift in strategy for the party in SA.
What we know
- Bernardi is the lead One Nation candidate for South Australia, aiming to contest the state’s election.
- He frames One Nation as counterweight to the traditional two-party duopoly, seeking to widen policy debate in SA.
- Party leader Pauline Hanson has indicated One Nation would contest seats and challenge Labor’s position.
- Observers say the move marks a more assertive SA strategy for One Nation, with a focus on voters who feel ignored by major parties.
- The announcements come as SA politics is historically dominated by two major parties, with preference flows and micro-parties potentially influencing the outcome.
What we don’t know
- Whether Bernardi’s rhetoric translates into electoral support or tangible seats for One Nation in SA.
- How Labor and the Liberal Party respond in policy and campaigning to the new challenge.
- What specific policies or priorities One Nation will run on in SA beyond broad opposition messaging.
- Whether Pauline Hanson will actively campaign in SA or keep focus on other states, and how that affects momentum.
- What the campaign timeline and candidate lineup will look like beyond Bernardi’s candidacy.
Analysts emphasise that the SA political landscape has long been dominated by two major parties, but note that micro-parties and crossbench groups can influence the agenda, particularly in regional areas where voters feel their concerns are overlooked by the major parties. Bernardi’s stance signals a broader test for the state’s political discourse and for how new entrants hope to shape policy priorities ahead of voting day.
