Summary
The Moon Festival in Box Hill, a suburb of southeastern Melbourne with a significant migrant population, serves as a backdrop for the political ambitions of One Nation, a right-wing party aiming to expand its influence in Victoria. With candidates running in every lower house seat, One Nation is targeting both suburban areas and regional communities like Mildura, where they previously garnered over 10% of the vote in the last federal election. The party's outreach at the festival highlights its strategy to connect with diverse communities, despite its controversial history regarding immigration and multiculturalism.
Political analysts note that support for One Nation is notably stronger among voters from South Africa and Italy, while it remains weaker among those from Asia. This trend reflects a complex landscape of migrant voter preferences, which are influenced by factors such as the length of time spent in Australia and cultural backgrounds. Some migrant communities, feeling disillusioned with the major parties, are considering One Nation, despite its past statements that have alienated many.
In response, major parties like Labor are actively engaging with migrant groups to strengthen their electoral support. Labor's outreach efforts include connecting with the Indian-Australian community, which has become the largest migrant group in Australia. The diversity of Victoria's electorate, comprising individuals from over 300 cultural backgrounds, poses both challenges and opportunities for political parties as they navigate the evolving dynamics of voter sentiment in the lead-up to the state election.
Show Notes
Polling ahead of this November's Victorian state election shows a surge in support for One Nation. But the data suggests that some of their rising support has come from a surprising source - migrant communities.
Polling ahead of this November's Victorian state election shows a surge in support for One Nation.
But the data suggests that some of their rising support has come from a surprising source - migrant communities.
One Nation are running candidates in every seat in Victoria for the lower house but the party has had a controversial and complicated history with culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
Could these voters who make up 30 percent of the state's voting base decide Victoria's political future?
In this episode: Who is intending to vote for One Nation in the upcoming Victorian state election?
What are the major parties doing to court culturally and linguistically diverse voters?
Can One Nation succeed in their push for power in Victoria?
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