Hold onto your hats, because Australian politics is about to get even more interesting. Pauline Hanson’s One Nation is making waves, and rumors are swirling that high-profile figures are ready to jump ship and join her party. But here’s where it gets controversial: Liberal senator Alex Antic and former senator Cory Bernardi are reportedly flirting with the idea, sparking speculation about a major shift in the political landscape. Could this be the tipping point for One Nation’s rise as a major player? And this is the part most people miss: their potential defection isn’t just about ideology—it’s a bold statement against the fractured Coalition and a growing disillusionment with mainstream politics.
Updated February 2, 2026, at 11:53 a.m., this story first broke earlier that morning, capturing the attention of political observers nationwide. Antic and Bernardi, both firmly rooted in the hard-right and Christian right, are said to be considering a move to Hanson’s party, which has been gaining traction in the polls. While neither has confirmed the rumors, their silence speaks volumes. Bernardi, whose own Australian Conservatives party failed to gain momentum after he left the Liberals, recently hinted on his blog that he’s ‘lending his shoulder’ to One Nation, suggesting its time in the spotlight has arrived. Meanwhile, Antic, known for his rebellious stance against his own party and his vocal opposition to vaccine mandates and ‘woke culture,’ has been dropping subtle hints about his dissatisfaction with the Liberals. When asked directly, he coyly replied, ‘There’s nothing worse than spoiling a surprise,’ leaving many to wonder if he’s on the verge of a dramatic exit.
This isn’t the first time One Nation has attracted disaffected right-wingers. Former Victorian Liberal MP Bernie Finn, who clashed with his party over abortion rights, has already joined Hanson’s ranks ahead of the Victorian state election. But the potential addition of Antic and Bernardi would be a game-changer, signaling One Nation’s growing appeal to those who feel abandoned by the mainstream. Is this a desperate grab for relevance, or a legitimate realignment of Australia’s political right?
One Nation’s chief strategist, James Ashby, has been fueling the fire, teasing ‘big names’ and ‘familiar faces’ set to join the party. ‘We’re on a recruitment drive,’ he told Sky News, promising announcements that will ‘shock people.’ But here’s the kicker: One Nation’s surge comes despite its lack of detailed policies and its history of stoking racial tensions. So, what’s driving its popularity? Hanson’s straightforward, no-nonsense rhetoric on immigration has resonated with voters increasingly concerned about migration. And the defection of former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce has helped soften the party’s image, making it more palatable to a broader audience.
Recent polls paint a striking picture. A Redbridge Group/Accent Research survey published by The Australian Financial Review shows One Nation firmly in second place, ahead of both the Liberal and National parties. Labor leads with 34%, but the Coalition’s combined vote has plummeted to 19%, while One Nation has soared to 26%. Even our own Resolve Political Monitor from January revealed the Coalition at 28% and One Nation at 18%, a significant jump from previous years. Is this the beginning of the end for the Coalition as we know it, or just a temporary blip?
Joyce himself admitted on our Inside Politics podcast that the polling numbers are ‘soft’ and could shift by election time. But he also argued they represent a golden opportunity for One Nation to build permanent support, especially as the Coalition struggles with internal divisions and policy crises. Meanwhile, Hanson’s office has remained tight-lipped about Antic’s potential move, adding another layer of intrigue to the unfolding drama.
As the political landscape continues to shift, one thing is clear: One Nation is no longer a fringe player. Whether you love it or hate it, Hanson’s party is forcing everyone to pay attention. But here’s the question we can’t ignore: Is this the future of Australian politics, or just a passing phase? Let us know what you think in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take on this seismic shift.
