Beattie urges federal Labor to address One Nation voter concerns with policy, not handouts
In a *Guardian* opinion piece, Peter Beattie draws on his 1998 experience defeating One Nation in Queensland to advise the ALP on strategies for the next federal election.
Former Queensland Premier Peter Beattie has advised the federal Labor Party that countering the rise of Pauline Hanson’s One Nation requires addressing the underlying economic anxieties of its supporters rather than dismissing them. In an opinion piece published in The Guardian, Beattie argues that the party’s current poll strength is a symptom of major parties failing to adequately respond to voter concerns regarding the cost of living, immigration, and the impact of artificial intelligence on employment.
Beattie, who served as Queensland Premier from 1998 to 2015, drew parallels between the current federal political climate and the 1998 state election, when One Nation won 23 per cent of the primary vote by taking seats from both the ALP and the Coalition. He noted that his government successfully turned back the One Nation tide in Queensland by engaging face-to-face with voters at community cabinet meetings and implementing policies that directly addressed their grievances.
The former premier outlined a specific policy framework for federal Labor to adopt. This includes a clear, skills-based immigration policy with a defined annual intake, alongside a vision for Australia in 2050 that focuses on skills training to mitigate workforce disruptions caused by AI. Beattie also called for sustained support for key industries through innovation and capital investment in regional infrastructure to provide long-term job security.
He emphasised that ongoing cost-of-living measures are necessary, stating that one-off handouts do not resonate with One Nation supporters. Beattie argued that the federal government must treat these voters with respect and explain the economic and social benefits of multiculturalism within the context of its immigration policy, rather than allowing One Nation to run a "scare campaign" blaming current policies for rising house prices and electricity costs.
Beattie suggested that One Nation’s electoral support is likely to erode due to its history of internal conflict, poor candidate selection, and a lack of executive government experience, with the exception of Barnaby Joyce. He also noted that Australia’s preferential voting system disadvantages the party, particularly in urban areas where Liberal voters may not preference One Nation last.
The former premier concluded that while Hanson is tenacious, she is not viewed by her supporters as capable of being prime minister. He asserted that major parties can reduce One Nation’s influence through sound, futuristic policies and direct engagement in the regions and outer suburbs, provided they have the strategic commitment to implement them.