Support for One Nation leaps in Qld

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson says rising support for her party in Queensland shows voters aren't happy with the premier and opposition leader.

One Nation leader Senator Pauline Hanson

One Nation leader Senator Pauline Hanson. Source: AAP

Pauline Hanson says a surge in support for her party in Queensland shows voters are dissatisfied with the premier and opposition leader.

One Nation is now more popular with Queenslanders than when it won 11 seats at the 1998 state election, according to a Galaxy Poll published by News Corp Australia.

Its support jumped from 16 per cent to 23 per cent in three months, while the popularity of Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls fell.

News Corp reports One Nation could clinch more than 20 seats at the next state election, giving it the balance of power.

Senator Hanson said her party's increased support was not only about her own popularity.

"The whole fact is if you line up Annastacia Palaszczuk, if you line up Tim Nicholls - do they give you any confidence whatsoever to lead this state," she told reporters on the Sunshine Coast on Saturday.

"The polls tell you people aren't satisfied with them as leaders."

She also ruled out a move to Queensland politics, saying she was focused on her work in the Senate.

One Nation state leader Steve Dickson, who defected from the LNP, agreed the poll showed the major parties had lost their way.

He also called on Ms Palasczcuk to rule out any plans to call a snap election to coincide with the March election in WA, where One Nation is also fielding candidates.

"Are they that scared that they would like to see our resources thinned out, spread right across this country?" Mr Dickson said.

"Premier, come out and be honest with the people of Queensland - when are you going to call the election?"

A spokesman for the premier said the government was focused on preparing for the next state budget.

"As the premier has said repeatedly, the election is not due for another 12 months and it is the furthest thing from her mind," he said.

Strong support for One Nation at the ballot box might not mean success in parliament.

After the 1998 election, the party imploded and MPs quit to become independents or form other groups.


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Source: AAP


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