One Nation’s Landslide in Sydney Suburbs Signals Shift in Australian Politics
In a seismic political shift, One Nation candidate David Farley secured a historic victory in the Farrer by-election, marking the first time the party has won a federal seat in Australia’s Lower House. The landslide result, with Farley capturing over 40% of the primary vote and a projected 9% margin after preferences, has sent shockwaves through Canberra and underscored the growing frustration among Australians over housing affordability and economic inequality.
Why This Victory Resonates Beyond Western Sydney
The Farrer by-election, triggered by the resignation of former Liberal leader Sussan Ley, was a barometer for voter sentiment in one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions. Western Sydney, home to 2.8 million people and 472,210 households with children, is at the epicenter of the nation’s housing crisis. With nearly two-thirds of Greater Sydney’s population growth expected to occur in this region over the next two decades, the stakes could not be higher.
According to the latest data from the Western Sydney snapshot, the region’s housing market is under immense pressure, with median home prices soaring and affordability slipping further out of reach for younger Australians. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2021 Census data reveals that over 60% of renters in Western Sydney spend more than 30% of their income on housing, a figure that has risen sharply since 2019.
One Nation’s victory reflects a broader discontent: a growing belief that younger Australians are being priced out of home ownership. In interviews following the election, Barnaby Joyce, a prominent One Nation ally, emphasized this sentiment, stating that “people are worried that younger Australians are never going to get a crack at home ownership.”
One Nation’s Policy Push: A Direct Response to Housing Crisis
One Nation’s platform, which includes an indefinite ban on foreign property investments and a five-year moratorium on GST for building materials, is striking a chord with voters. The party argues that foreign ownership is inflating housing prices, making it nearly impossible for locals to enter the market. Their proposals also target the banking sector, aiming to reduce the cost of borrowing for first-home buyers.
In a radio interview with ABC’s Sydney Mornings, Joyce highlighted the party’s commitment to addressing intergenerational equity. “If we do change our position on any policy, we will explain why it is that that is occurring,” Joyce said, signaling a willingness to adapt policies based on voter feedback. The party’s emphasis on local ownership and affordability has resonated particularly strongly in Western Sydney, where voters see traditional parties as out of touch with their struggles.
This victory also raises questions about the future of the Liberal-National Coalition. The collapse of the Liberal vote in Farrer—where independent candidate Michelle Milthorpe finished second—underscores the urgency for major parties to address housing affordability. The federal budget, due for release this week, is expected to include measures targeting housing affordability, but analysts suggest these may not be enough to stem the tide of voter discontent.
“They’re Listening to Us”: Community Reactions
On the ground in Western Sydney, the reaction to One Nation’s win has been overwhelmingly positive. Residents and local business owners have shared their relief and optimism on social media, using platforms like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) to express their support. One post from a resident in the suburb of Holbrook, a stronghold for Farley, read: “Finally, someone who gets it. We’re not just numbers, we’re people who want a future.”
For many, the victory is a sign that their voices are being heard. Joyce’s comments about the “difficult but right decision” to push for policies that deliver tangible results have struck a chord. The party’s focus on local issues, such as reducing foreign investment in housing and supporting local builders, has created a sense of hope among voters who feel ignored by the major parties.
Watch Joyce’s full interview on the Farrer by-election results and One Nation’s future plans on ABC Listen. For a detailed breakdown of the polling data and results, visit the Australian Electoral Commission’s Tally Room.
A Turning Point for Australian Politics?
One Nation’s triumph in Farrer is more than a local story—it is a potential turning point for Australian politics. The party’s rise is fueled by a perfect storm of economic anxiety, demographic shifts, and a perceived failure of traditional parties to address the needs of everyday Australians. With housing affordability at the forefront of voter concerns, the major parties now face a critical test: will they adapt their policies to reflect the realities of a changing electorate, or risk further erosion of their support?
As Joyce himself put it, “This is a dynamic change.” The question now is whether this change will be embraced by the political establishment or met with resistance. For millions of Australians, especially in Western Sydney, the answer is clear: the status quo is no longer an option.
For more analysis on the implications of One Nation’s victory and the future of housing policy in Australia, stay tuned to Nouvelles du Monde. Follow our coverage on Instagram and X for real-time updates and in-depth reporting.
