Tony Abbott backs One Nation preference deal and says Liberals can’t just be a ‘little less woke than Labor’

Tony Abbott, the new Liberal president, has endorsed preference deals with One Nation, stating that the Liberal party cannot win the next election by simply being "a little less woke than Labor" and adhering strictly to focus group findings. Opposition leader Angus Taylor indicated openness to such arrangements with Pauline Hanson's party, emphasizing a willingness to cooperate with any group capable of removing the current Labor government. This strategic alignment comes as One Nation experiences a surge in support, potentially challenging the Liberal and National parties for dominance as Australia's primary conservative force. The Liberal party is reportedly grappling with this rising influence and seeking ways to counter it, with preference deals being considered as a tactical move. Taylor's comments suggest a pragmatic approach to electoral strategy, prioritizing the defeat of the incumbent government over ideological purity. The situation highlights a significant shift in the Australian political landscape, with traditional conservative parties facing pressure from a populist alternative.