Full Breakdown
Cory Bernardi Joins One Nation for South Australian Election
2/3/2026, 3:16:59 AM
Cory Bernardi's Political Shift
Former Liberal senator Cory Bernardi has officially joined Pauline Hanson's One Nation party, where he will lead the party's ticket for the Legislative Council in the upcoming South Australian election scheduled for March 2026. This move marks Bernardi as the second high-profile ex-Coalition member to align with One Nation in recent months, following Barnaby Joyce's defection late last year. Bernardi, who resigned from the federal Senate in 2020, has expressed his belief that the major parties, particularly the Labor and Liberal parties, are failing to meet the needs of voters in South Australia.
Background and Context
Cory Bernardi served as a senator from 2006 until his resignation in 2020. He was known for his conservative stances, particularly on social issues such as abortion and marriage equality. After leaving the Liberal Party in 2017, he founded the Australian Conservatives party, which ultimately dissolved in 2019 after failing to gain significant electoral support. Bernardi's history of political realignment reflects a broader trend of discontent among right-wing politicians with the traditional Coalition parties, which are currently facing declining support in South Australia.
One Nation's Strategy and Electoral Context
One Nation, under Hanson's leadership, is positioning itself to capitalize on the declining popularity of the Liberal Party, which is projected to retain only a few seats in the upcoming election. Polls indicate that One Nation's support has surged, placing it ahead of the Coalition in several surveys. To secure a seat in the Legislative Council, One Nation needs to achieve slightly over 8% of the vote, either through first preferences or preferences from other parties.
Hanson has indicated that Bernardi's conservative values align well with One Nation's mission, stating, "Cory has strong, sound conservative values that are an excellent fit with One Nation." She has also hinted at further high-profile recruits joining the party, which could significantly impact the political landscape in South Australia.
Criticism and Opposition
Despite the optimism from One Nation, critics argue that the party has yet to outline concrete policies to address pressing issues such as government debt and excessive regulation. Bernardi himself has acknowledged the need for fiscal responsibility but has not provided specific proposals. Additionally, the party's history of controversial rhetoric has raised concerns about its potential impact on social cohesion.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Speculation surrounds the potential defection of current Liberal senator Alex Antic to One Nation, although he has publicly refrained from confirming any such move. This uncertainty adds another layer of complexity to the political dynamics as the election approaches.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Cory has strong, sound conservative values that are an excellent fit with One Nation and he’s a prominent South Australian keen to make the positive differences in his home state the Liberals just can’t bring themselves to make,” — Pauline Hanson, Leader of One Nation
- “Mr Bernardi said he felt there was "very little difference" between the Labor and Liberal parties in SA, and said he was "proud" to join Ms Hanson's party.” — Cory Bernardi, Former Liberal Senator
As the South Australian election nears, the implications of Bernardi's alignment with One Nation will be closely monitored, particularly in light of the shifting political landscape and the party's efforts to attract disaffected voters from the major parties.
