Chalmers warns against sneering at Hanson backers ahead of 12 months of pain

Treasurer Jim Chalmers addressed the progressive side of politics and advised them against "scolding" or "mocking" potential One Nation voters. Instead, he urged them to take the task of persuading these voters seriously. Chalmers highlighted the seriousness of One Nation's support and the need to develop a strategy to counteract it.

He delivered this message during the Bernie Fraser Oration, sponsored by the Australia Institute, a progressive think tank. Chalmers also cautioned households about the forecasted economic conditions in the next three months, stating that there would be no significant improvement but a slight improvement over the next year. He attributed the increased disconnection from opportunity among people to near-term pressure and transformational change, exacerbated by "algorithmic rage bait".

One Nation has gained double the support it had a year ago, with three in ten people expressing a willingness to vote for them. They are now making inroads in both the House of Representatives and state parliaments. Chalmers warned that the far-right strategy involves dividing people and their goal is to create a self-fulfilling prophecy by portraying an unfavorable economic outlook.

He emphasized that the core message of the far right often appeals to nostalgia and a desire for a more familiar past. Chalmers advised that progressives should not mock those who find appeal in this message, but rather adopt a two-pronged strategy. The first part involves persuading people that returning to the past is not feasible, while the second part aims to convince working people that the proposed path is safer, more secure, and more prosperous.

Chalmers also highlighted the risks posed by the far-right, stating that One Nation and the Coalition would harm working people rather than benefit them. He emphasized the need for government policies that address these risks, such as wage cuts, attacks on workers, and undermining retirement and living standards. Chalmers acknowledged that nostalgia for the past is often rooted in dissatisfaction with the status quo and insisted on pointing out the detrimental effects of policies proposed by One Nation and the Coalition.

He stressed that the government's reforms on various fronts are essential, and stability and the status quo are not synonymous with progress. Chalmers concluded by emphasizing that the approach should focus on delivering better outcomes for Australians and reforming the status quo in their favor, rather than hoping for the far-right to disappear.