Joyce Hits Back at ‘Arrogant’ One Nation Critics After Poll Surge: One Nation Hits Historic High in Bombshell Opinion Poll
BREAKING ASU NEWS: In a political earthquake that has shattered the traditional foundations of Canberra, former Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce has launched a scathing counter-attack against what he terms “arrogant” critics. This follows a bombshell opinion poll showing Pauline Hanson’s One Nation hitting a historic high, fundamentally altering the Australian political landscape.
With the cost of living crisis and inflation rates soaring, the latest federal polling indicates a tectonic shift in voter sentiment. The DemosAU poll and Roy Morgan survey have both confirmed that support for the major parties—the Australian Labor Party (ALP) and the Liberal-National Coalition—is hemorrhaging, while One Nation has surged to an unprecedented 23% primary vote.
The Barnaby Joyce Defection: A Game-Changer
The catalyst for this recent “political insurgency” was the high-profile defection of Barnaby Joyce from the National Party to One Nation. Joyce, a veteran of regional Australian politics, cited a breakdown in his relationship with the Coalition leadership and a desire to focus on “real-world issues” like energy security, immigration reform, and housing affordability.
Critics from both the Labor government and the Sussan Ley-led Opposition were quick to dismiss the move as a “stunt.” However, Joyce has hit back, labeling his detractors as “out-of-touch elites” who are “arrogant” to the struggles of everyday Australians.
“They call us names because they are terrified of the numbers,” Joyce stated during a recent broadcast. “The people of regional Australia and the suburbs are tired of being lectured to by people who can’t even define the cost of a liter of milk or a kilowatt of power.”
One Nation Hits Historic High: The Numbers
The bombshell poll results published in early January 2026 have sent shockwaves through the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) circles. Key takeaways include:
- Primary Vote Parity: One Nation is now tied with the Liberal-National Coalition at 23%.
- Labor Slump: The Albanese Government has seen its primary vote fall to 29%, a record low for a sitting government in this cycle.
- Two-Party Preferred (TPP) Deadlock: On a hypothetical ALP vs. One Nation two-party preferred basis, the parties are locked at 50-50.
- Regional Dominance: Support in Queensland and Western Australia has seen double-digit increases.
| Party | Primary Vote (%) | Change since 2025 Election |
| Labor (ALP) | 29% | -5.6% |
| Coalition | 23% | -8.8% |
| One Nation | 23% | +16.6% |
| Greens | 12% | – |
Economic Frustration Driving the Surge
The driving force behind this One Nation polling surge is undeniably economic. With interest rates remaining high and energy bills expected to rise again in 2026, voters are looking for radical alternatives.
High CPC keywords such as “mortgage relief,” “tax incentives,” and “renewable energy costs” are dominating search trends as Australians seek solutions that the “duopoly” has failed to provide. Pauline Hanson has capitalized on this by focusing on:
- Immigration Reform: Calling for a “pause” to address housing shortages.
- Net Zero Skepticism: Partnering with Joyce to challenge current climate policy frameworks.
- Water Rights: A key issue for farmers and regional development.
The Bondi Aftermath and Leadership Challenges
The political climate has also been shaped by the tragic events at Bondi Beach in late 2025. While Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has faced pressure over the scope of a Royal Commission, Pauline Hanson and Barnaby Joyce were seen as “on the ground” with grieving families. This has translated into a “leadership bounce” for the minor party, as many voters feel the major parties are more concerned with “political optics” than “public safety.”
Conclusion: A New Era of Australian Politics?
As we move further into 2026, the question is no longer whether One Nation is a “protest party,” but whether it is now a legitimate “party of government.” With Barnaby Joyce eyeing a move to the Senate, the influence of this alliance is set to grow.
The “arrogant” critics may continue to mock, but the historic poll results suggest that the “quiet Australians” are finally finding their voice through a new political force.
