Australians in their 40s and 50s are grappling with low wage growth, increasing inequality, and declining home ownership rates, leading many to feel left behind. This demographic, known as Generation X, is now turning to the populist One Nation party in unprecedented numbers.
One Nation's Meteoric Rise
One Nation's ascent has been remarkable. At the May 2025 election, the party secured 6.4% of the primary vote. By October, that figure had notionally doubled to 13%, according to the Essential poll. Since then, support has doubled again, reaching 28%—just one point behind Labor. Polling by Redbridge indicates that support peaks among those in their 50s, with 43% of Gen Xers backing the party.
The Sandwich Generation
Experts describe Gen X as the "sandwich generation," squeezed between caring for aging parents and supporting their own children. They face unique economic challenges, including much lower home ownership rates compared to previous generations. Many watch the rich get richer while they struggle with stagnant wages and rising costs.
Terry Rawnsley, an urban economist at KPMG, notes that Gen Xers who own homes carry significantly larger mortgages than their parents did, operating in a more uncertain economic environment. ABS data confirms that the share of people aged 45-54 who own their home outright has plummeted from over 40% in 1998 to just 15% by 2020.
Personal Stories of Discontent
Wesley Jasper, a former military member now working for a government organization, moved from Canberra to Ballarat for affordability. He describes himself as a "longtime listener, first-time caller" to One Nation. "I've worked for 35 years, and I'm kind of feeling like I'm not getting value for money," he says. "I've really got not much to show."
Ali Carter, 49, from Echuca, supports One Nation because she wants Australia to "go back to what it was," with more local manufacturing and less foreign ownership. She appreciates that Pauline Hanson "doesn't talk down to you" and "remembers she used to own a fish and chip shop."
Economic Disaffection
Beth Webster, an economics professor at the University of Melbourne, says economic disaffection is rooted in the soaring cost of living, rising interest rates, and fuel shocks. Her analysis of ABS data shows that wages for the top 10% of earners have grown at more than double the rate of the bottom 10% since 2014.
Brent Larkham, a small business owner and country musician from Tamworth, says many in his generation have seen politics switch between the two major parties without meaningful change. "You go to the petrol pump, or you go to the supermarket, and things are getting tough," he says. "Integrity is lost."
Political Implications
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledges the frustration but argues that it's "not enough to identify an issue; what you've got to do is identify a solution." However, solutions for the disaffected Gen Xers remain scarce as the populist wave continues to reshape Australia's political landscape.
