The recent announcement by Pauline Hanson, leader of Pauline Hanson’s One Nation, has sent shockwaves through Australian politics. She has appointed former Liberal senator Cory Bernardi as the party’s leader in South Australia. This strategic move positions Bernardi to head the Legislative Council ticket for the upcoming state election on March 21, 2026. Many see this as a bold challenge to the established political order in the state.

Cory Bernardi brings a wealth of experience to One Nation. He previously served as a senator for South Australia, initially representing the Liberal Party before becoming an independent and later founding the Australian Conservatives. His conservative views on issues like immigration, national sovereignty, and economic freedom align closely with One Nation’s platform. This appointment revives his political career in a significant way.

Pauline Hanson described Bernardi as a valuable addition with the skills needed to fight for ordinary Australians. She emphasized that his talents were being wasted outside active politics. By bringing him on board, One Nation aims to strengthen its presence in South Australia. The party plans to contest every lower house seat and run a strong upper house ticket led by Bernardi.

The timing of this announcement could not be more dramatic. With the South Australian state election just weeks away, One Nation is surging in polls. Recent surveys show growing support for the party amid widespread dissatisfaction with the major parties. Voters express frustration over rising living costs, housing affordability crises, and mounting state debt under the current Labor government.

Labor currently holds power in South Australia, but faces criticism for failing to address key concerns. Households struggle with skyrocketing energy bills and grocery prices. Young people find home ownership increasingly out of reach due to high property values and limited supply. Many blame government policies for exacerbating these problems rather than solving them.

One Nation promises a different approach. The party advocates for putting Australians first in every decision. This includes reducing government spending, lowering taxes, and getting debt under control. Bernardi has highlighted the need to cut red tape that strangles businesses and makes communities less safe. These messages resonate with voters tired of the status quo.

The two-party system in South Australia faces increasing scrutiny. Critics argue that Labor and the Liberals offer little real difference on major issues. They often support similar policies on global agreements, high immigration levels, and big-government spending. This perceived duopoly leaves many feeling unrepresented and ignored by Canberra and Adelaide elites.

Bernardi has directly attacked this two-party dominance. He claims there is currently no genuine opposition in the state parliament. One Nation, under his leadership, vows to become the strongest voice challenging the government. Whether winning one seat or more, the party intends to hold power to account like never before.

Pauline Hanson has issued stark warnings to Labor. She declared that One Nation is coming for their seats and will not back down. This aggressive stance reflects growing confidence within the party. Supporters rallied in Adelaide during the announcement, showing enthusiasm for the new direction.

The recruitment of Bernardi represents more than just a personnel change. It signals a broader realignment in conservative politics. Former Liberals disillusioned with their party’s direction now see One Nation as a viable home. This could draw votes away from the Liberal opposition, fragmenting the right-wing vote in key electorates.

Analysts note that One Nation’s poll surge might translate into real gains. The party has built momentum by focusing on bread-and-butter issues affecting everyday people. Concerns about crime, border security, and economic pressures dominate conversations among voters. Bernardi’s profile adds credibility to these campaigns.

Housing remains a critical battleground in this election. South Australians face some of the highest housing costs relative to income in the country. First-home buyers struggle to enter the market while investors drive up prices. One Nation pledges policies to prioritize locals over foreign buyers and reduce bureaucratic hurdles in development.

Cost of living pressures continue to mount across the state. Families report difficulty making ends meet despite working full-time jobs. Energy prices, fuel costs, and food inflation erode purchasing power. One Nation criticizes Labor for failing to deliver relief and promises practical solutions like tax cuts and spending restraint.

Debt levels in South Australia have risen significantly under recent governments. Critics point to wasteful projects and poor financial management as key culprits. Bernardi has committed to reducing expenditure and restoring fiscal responsibility. This fiscal conservatism appeals to voters worried about future generations bearing the burden.

Immigration and national identity also feature prominently in One Nation’s messaging. The party calls for controlled borders and policies that protect Australian jobs and culture. Bernardi shares these views, having long advocated for prioritizing citizens over international obligations that disadvantage locals.

The establishment appears rattled by this development. Mainstream media coverage reflects unease about One Nation’s rising influence. Some commentators dismiss the move as desperate, while others acknowledge its potential to disrupt traditional voting patterns. The Canberra elite and their state counterparts sense a genuine threat.

Supporters view this as a long-overdue shake-up. They celebrate the arrival of a battle-hardened conservative ready to take on the system. Bernardi’s experience in federal politics equips him to navigate complex parliamentary environments. His partnership with Hanson strengthens the party’s national and state-level cohesion.

One Nation’s strategy extends beyond rhetoric. The party fields candidates across all 47 lower house seats in South Australia. This ambitious plan demonstrates confidence in widespread appeal. Even modest success could force major parties to address neglected issues.

Voters disillusioned with the major parties now have a clearer alternative. One Nation positions itself as the genuine voice for patriots fed up with globalist policies and elite betrayal. This narrative gains traction amid economic uncertainty and social changes.

The March 21 election will test these claims in real time. Polling day offers South Australians a chance to express their frustrations at the ballot box. A strong One Nation performance could reshape the political landscape for years to come.

Critics of the major parties point to repeated failures on key promises. Labor’s handling of debt and housing has drawn particular ire. Meanwhile, the Liberals struggle to present a compelling opposition. Into this vacuum steps One Nation with Bernardi at the forefront.

Bernardi’s personal story adds depth to the campaign. As a South Australian native, he understands local challenges intimately. His return to politics stems from concern over the state’s direction. He sees One Nation as the only viable path to real change.

Hanson’s leadership has proven resilient over years of controversy. She has built One Nation into a force that cannot be ignored. Recruiting high-profile figures like Bernardi enhances the party’s seriousness and electability.

The announcement has energized grassroots supporters. Rallies and online engagement show growing momentum. Many express relief at seeing conservatives unite against common enemies like excessive government and cultural erosion.

Economic policies form the core of One Nation’s appeal in South Australia. Reducing taxes would leave more money in pockets. Cutting wasteful spending would ease pressure on budgets. These straightforward promises contrast with complex schemes from the majors.

Community safety concerns also drive support. Rising crime rates in some areas worry residents. One Nation advocates tougher laws and better resourcing for police. Bernardi echoes these calls, promising action over empty words.

The party’s focus on Australian jobs protects workers from unfair competition. Policies aim to prioritize local employment in key industries. This resonates in regional areas where economic opportunities remain limited.

Education and health services face strain in the state. One Nation highlights underfunding and mismanagement in these sectors. The party pledges to restore resources to front-line services rather than bureaucratic overheads.

Environmental policies receive scrutiny too. One Nation questions extreme green agendas that raise costs without clear benefits. The party supports practical approaches balancing economy and environment.

The establishment’s fear stems from One Nation’s ability to connect directly with voters. Traditional media filters lose influence as people turn to alternative voices. This shift empowers parties like One Nation.

As the campaign intensifies, expect heated debates and policy clashes. Bernardi’s media experience equips him to counter attacks effectively. His calm delivery contrasts with the passion of grassroots activism.

South Australians face a pivotal choice in March 2026. Continue with the two-party system or embrace a new force challenging the elite. One Nation, led by Hanson and Bernardi, offers that alternative.

This power move marks the official start of the election war. The political swamp stirs as patriots rally behind a vision of Australia first. Labor feels the pressure, and the old guard trembles at the prospect of real accountability.

The surge continues to build. Polls reflect shifting allegiances. Voters seek representation that matches their values and concerns. One Nation stands ready to deliver that voice through Bernardi’s leadership.

In the final analysis, this appointment could prove transformative. It unites conservative forces in a way not seen for years. South Australia may never be the same after March 21.