The New South Wales (NSW) Legislative Assembly has passed a motion urging all major parties to to place the conservative-leaning One Nation last on their how-to-vote cards at the next state election.
The NSW lower house is controlled by Labor, which holds a majority.
Labor MP for Strathfield Jason Yat-Sen Li moved the motion during a public interest debate on May 5, leaning into concerns that multiculturalism was under attack.
“That this House calls on the Australian Labor Party, the NSW Liberals, the New South Wales National Party and all major political parties in New South Wales to continue the longstanding opposition to supporting and preferencing One Nation on their official how-to-vote cards at the 2027 New South Wales election,” he said.
“The New South Wales Labor Party unequivocally rejects race-based politics and race-based migration, and the question for everyone today is: Where do the Liberal Party and the Nationals stand?” he said in Parliament. Li also accused One Nation of finding communities and directing the public’s angst against them.
A motion passed in a public interest debate is symbolic and is not legislation.
The move comes as One Nation’s support surges across Australia with multiple polls showing high support for the conservative party.
Recent results in the Victoria’s Nepean by-election and the South Australian state election also shows voters are willing to back the party, which has espoused a firm cap on immigration numbers into Australia.
Opposition Suggests Motion Needless, Labor Should Stop Preferencing Greens
Opposition Liberal MP for Davidson Matt Cross said NSW has an optional preferential system, suggesting Labor’s motion was needless.
“Entrenched in the New South Wales Constitution is optional preferential voting in New South Wales elections. The Constitution says you do not have to preference anyone. We are the only jurisdiction to have this,” Cross said.
He also said Labor needed to stop preferencing the Greens, accusing the left-wing party of anti-Semitism.
Cross also re-affirmed his party’s support for multiculturalism and opposition to racism.
His amendment did not pass.
NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane has previously left the door open on a preference deal with One Nation, saying it was a “matter for the party” in late March.
Nationals Question Priority of Debate
Meanwhile, Nationals Member for Clarence Richie Williamson questioned the priorities of the Labor Party
“A strong, robust democracy should always be cherished in this place. For the thousands who are watching at home, this is called a public interest debate. It is a very important process in the parliamentary business of the day. The only thing this debate is lacking is public interest,” he said.
Williamson said farmers in regional NSW were at “their wit’s end” and questioned the renewable energy agenda of the government.
“They are fighting the government on the renewable energy rollout, which is cutting towns and farms in half, pitting neighbours against each other and destroying habitat on a grand scale,” he said.
Williamson did not comment on the Nationals plan on preferences.
Greens Says One Nation Rise a ‘Wake Up Call’
Meanwhile, Greens Member for Newtown Jenny Leong said most people are supportive of One Nation for the simple fact that the “political system has failed them.”
“The rise of One Nation in the polls is a reflection on all of us in our failure to ensure that our democratic systems and the policies we have delivered are meeting the needs of the people right now,” she said.
“That is a huge wake‑up call for all of us.”
The motion was agreed to by the House (pdf).
How to vote cards and preference arrangements for the March 2027 state election have yet to be decided. One Nation does not currently hold any seats in the NSW lower house.
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