In the heart of Australia's political landscape, a quiet revolution is brewing, driven by a generation that has long been overlooked: Generation X. Once stereotyped as disengaged and apathetic, Gen Xers are now making their voices heard, and their message is clear: they're fed up with the status quo. This demographic, born between 1965 and 1980, is facing a unique set of economic challenges that are pushing them towards the fringes of politics, and, in some cases, towards the populist One Nation party. Personally, I find this shift particularly fascinating, as it highlights the deep-seated grievances and the complex interplay of economic, social, and political factors that are shaping Australia's future.
The Economic Grievances of Gen X
Gen Xers are the classic 'sandwich generation', squeezed between older boomer parents and younger children. They face a swathe of economic challenges, including far lower home ownership rates compared to their parents at the same age. According to the ABS data, the share of people aged 45-54 years who own their home outright has dropped dramatically since the late 1990s, from over 40% to just 15%. This is a stark contrast to their parents, who at this age were more likely to own their homes mortgage-free. The result? Gen Xers are burdened with more mortgage debt and are operating in a more uncertain economic environment.
This financial strain is further exacerbated by the growing divide between the rich and poor. Wages for the highest-paid workers are growing at more than twice the pace of those earning the least. After adjusting for inflation, median hourly wages for the top 10% of employees by income climbed by 25% between 2014 and 2025, while those in the bottom 10% saw just a 10% increase. This disparity is a source of deep despondency for Gen Xers, who feel left behind as the rich get richer.
The Rise of One Nation
One Nation's ascent over the past year is nothing short of extraordinary. The party scored 6.4% of the primary vote at the May 2025 election, and by October, its primary vote had notionally doubled to 13%, according to the Essential poll. This surge in support is driven by Gen Xers, with polling by Redbridge showing that support peaks at 43% among this demographic. The grievances that have driven voters towards One Nation are rooted in economic pessimism and a sense of being left behind.
One Nation's popularity has since doubled again, now sitting at 28% – only one point behind Labor. This shift is not just about economic grievances; it's also about a sense of status anxiety and a community in decline. Gen Xers, who are typically in their 40s and 50s, are worried about deteriorating services and the impact of compounding crises on their living standards.
The Personal Stories of Gen X
To understand the depth of these grievances, let's look at some personal stories. Wesley Jasper, a Gen X voter, doesn't need to think about why he's voting for One Nation. For him, it's all about the economy. He's worked for 35 years and feels like he's not getting value for money. He's struggling to pay off his mortgage and is concerned about the future. Similarly, Ali Carter, a 49-year-old studying social work, feels trapped in a cycle of financial struggle. She and her partner live in Echuca, where the cost of living is high, and the lack of jobs in regional areas is a constant worry.
The Broader Implications
The rise of One Nation is not just a local phenomenon; it's part of a global trend. Academic studies have found a powerful causal link between growing economic pessimism and the shift away from major parties towards independent and populist alternatives. This trend is evident not just in Australia but also in other countries, where disaffected voters are turning to parties that promise change and challenge the status quo.
The Way Forward
So, what does this mean for Australia's political landscape? Were a vote to be held tomorrow, the polls suggest the Liberals and National parties would suffer a catastrophic collapse. However, Anthony Albanese, the Prime Minister, is aware that One Nation is also beginning to peel voters off Labor. He acknowledges the frustration with the system and the need for solutions, not just identification of issues.
In my opinion, the key to addressing the grievances of Gen Xers lies in understanding the unique economic challenges they face. This includes addressing the growing divide between the rich and poor and providing solutions that offer real relief. The political parties need to step up and offer concrete policies that address these issues, or risk being left behind by a generation that is increasingly disillusioned with the status quo.
