On The Call One Nation's continuing climb; AI fears ramp up.
Feb 27, 2026
James Hennessy, ideas editor at Capital Brief, offers interpretive context on political trends and AI moves. John McDuling, editor-in-chief at Capital Brief, provides analysis on polling and market reactions. They discuss One Nation closing in on Labor and whether that surge is durable. They explore why Greens voters are switching, rising AI skepticism among vulnerable Australians, major AI-linked job cuts, and viral ‘ghost GDP’ market fears.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
One Nation Closing In On Labor
- One Nation has surged to 28% primary vote, within striking distance of Labor at 29%.
- Polling shows One Nation pulling not only from the Coalition but also from Labor and the Greens, driven by housing and cost-of-living discontent.
Beyond A Protest Vote
- The One Nation trend is likely durable rather than a transient protest vote according to James Hennessy.
- He compares it to global populist movements and warns major parties could be kept out of power long-term if the shift persists.
Social Media Spurs Global Populism
- Social media and a fragmented information landscape have accelerated populist right-wing gains in Australia.
- Shared grievances like housing and cost-of-living mirror trends seen with Trump, Reform UK and Europe, making such movements more likely.