The Silent Generation Roars: Why Gen X is Fueling Australia’s Populist Surge
There’s something deeply unsettling about the political winds shifting in Australia right now. It’s not just the rise of One Nation—though that’s certainly grabbing headlines—but the who behind it that’s most intriguing. Gen X, the cohort once dubbed the ‘slacker generation,’ is now the driving force behind this populist wave. And personally, I think this is about far more than just politics; it’s a generational reckoning.
What makes this particularly fascinating is that Gen X has long been stereotyped as politically disengaged, the quiet middle child between the boisterous Boomers and the vocal Millennials. But now, in their 50s, they’re finally making noise—and it’s loud. One Nation’s surge from 6.4% to 28% in just a year isn’t just a blip; it’s a full-blown rebellion. But why now? And why this generation?
The Economic Squeeze: A Generation in Limbo
One thing that immediately stands out is the economic plight of Gen X. Often referred to as the ‘sandwich generation,’ they’re caught between aging parents and adult children still at home. But what many people don’t realize is just how dire their financial situation is. Home ownership rates for Gen X are abysmal compared to their parents at the same age. In 1998, over 40% of 45-54-year-olds owned their homes outright; by 2020, that number had plummeted to 15%.
From my perspective, this isn’t just about numbers—it’s about dignity. For a generation that played by the rules, worked hard, and expected a modicum of security, this feels like a betrayal. Wesley Jasper, a former military man now working for the government, sums it up perfectly: ‘I’ve worked for 35 years, and I’ve got not much to show for it.’ His story isn’t unique; it’s emblematic of a generation that’s been left behind.
The Appeal of Populism: A Cry for Visibility
What this really suggests is that Gen X’s turn to populism isn’t just about policy—it’s about being seen. Pauline Hanson, the face of One Nation, doesn’t talk down to them. She speaks their language, remembers her roots, and, crucially, listens. Ali Carter, a 49-year-old on a disability pension, puts it bluntly: ‘Pauline will go out into the community and talk to them. She doesn’t forget her roots.’
In my opinion, this is where traditional parties have failed. Gen X feels invisible, both economically and politically. The major parties seem more interested in passing the ball between each other than addressing the real issues. As Brent Larkham, a small business owner, notes, ‘People kind of expect them just to lie.’ It’s a damning indictment, but one that rings true for many.
The Broader Implications: A Global Echo?
If you take a step back and think about it, Australia’s Gen X isn’t alone in their discontent. From Brexit to Trump, we’ve seen similar patterns worldwide: older generations feeling left behind by globalization, automation, and rising inequality. But what’s unique here is the timing. Gen X is typically seen as the bridge between analog and digital, the generation that should be thriving in the modern economy. Instead, they’re flocking to populism.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the role of economic inequality in all this. Beth Webster, an economics professor, points out that wages for the top 10% have grown at twice the rate of the bottom 10% since 2014. This isn’t just a generational issue; it’s a systemic one. But Gen X, sandwiched between the haves and the have-nots, feels it most acutely.
The Future: A Generation at a Crossroads
This raises a deeper question: What happens next? If One Nation continues to gain ground, will it deliver on its promises? Or will it, like so many populist movements, fall short? Personally, I’m skeptical. Populism thrives on grievance, not solutions. As Prime Minister Anthony Albanese rightly notes, ‘It’s not enough to identify an issue. You’ve got to identify a solution.’
But here’s the rub: traditional parties haven’t offered much in the way of solutions either. Gen X’s frustration isn’t just with populism; it’s with the entire system. They’re not just voting for change; they’re voting for recognition. And that, in my opinion, is the most important takeaway.
Final Thoughts
Gen X’s turn to populism isn’t just a political shift—it’s a cry for help. They’re a generation that’s been overlooked, undervalued, and now, finally, heard. Whether this leads to meaningful change or further polarization remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the silent generation has found its voice, and it’s not going away anytime soon.
