Victorian Liberals face backlash over preference for One Nation

Several readers of The Age have expressed strong opposition to the Victorian Liberal Party’s recent decision to give One Nation a higher preference than other parties. The move, announced by Liberal MP Jess Wilson, is seen by contributors as a strategic error that could give the far-right party a foothold in the Legislative Council and force the Liberals into a coalition with a group whose policies include repealing net-zero targets, expanding coal-fired power, and ending the nuclear ban.

"The Coalition is creating a rod for its own back once in government. Goodness knows what it will have to agree to in order to govern, almost certainly ending in tears," wrote James Young of Mt Eliza.

Critics argue that the preference arrangement may alienate moderate urban voters and could benefit federal Labor if a partnership with One Nation proves unstable. Others describe the decision as political expediency that undermines integrity and could lead to a “chaos” scenario in Victoria’s upper house.

"I have lost all respect for the Liberal Party since they announced that they are going to preference One Nation above other parties. It smacks of political expediency over integrity," said Susan Simpson of Surrey Hills.

Some letters note personal voting shifts away from the Liberals because of the preference, while others warn that a balance-of-power situation with One Nation could force the government to adopt extreme policy demands. The overall sentiment in the letters is that the preference decision may jeopardize the Liberals’ long-term prospects in Victoria.