The Liberal Party: Chasing One Nation to the edge of oblivion
New Politics: Australian Politics, News, Analysis & CommentaryShow Notes
One Nation may be slipping in the polls, but Pauline Hanson is still setting the direction of conservative politics in Australia – and Liberal leader Angus Taylor appears determined to follow her to the fringes. Rather than addressing housing affordability, stagnant wages, healthcare pressures and inequality, the Coalition is escalating the culture wars with proposals targeting Australian flag burning, the date of Australia Day and Respectful Relationships education in schools. It is a familiar strategy: manufacture outrage, exploit resentment and promise punishment, while presenting programs designed to reduce domestic and sexual violence as attacks on men. With Labor and the Coalition level in the latest Essential poll and One Nation close behind, imitating Pauline Hanson will only legitimise her agenda and alienate moderate voters. The same pattern can be seen in tobacco policy, where the Liberal Party has gone past One Nation’s proposed 75 per cent tobacco excise cut with an 80 per cent reduction – a policy that would benefit Big Tobacco, make cigarettes more accessible and potentially create a new generation of smokers and cancer patients. #AUSPOL
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