Prime Minister Blames Coalition for ‘Legitimising’ One Nation After By-election Result

Analysts warn Labor Party voters are just as likely to switch to One Nation.

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaks to the press at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia on May 4, 2026. Saeed Khan/AFP via Getty Images

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has blamed the Coalition for “legitimising” One Nation after its landslide win in the Farrer by-election.

“I think the Liberal Party and National Party made a big mistake legitimising One Nation and in adopting many of their policies but a lighter version of them, and then following that up by giving them preferences, they were saying effectively that it was okay to vote for One Nation rather than the traditional conservative party,” he said on the morning of May 11.