Former Liberal senator Cory Bernardi has officially joined One Nation, leading the party's ticket for the upcoming South Australian election in March. This move comes amidst ongoing tensions within the Coalition, as the Liberals and Nationals remain divided following failed attempts at reconciliation. Additionally, tens of thousands of Australians participated in Invasion Day protests, highlighting ongoing issues of racism and Indigenous rights.

Cory Bernardi Joins One Nation
Cory Bernardi, a former member of the Liberal Party, has announced his candidacy with One Nation for the South Australian legislative council election scheduled for March. Bernardi previously served under Liberal leaders such as Malcolm Turnbull and Tony Abbott before leaving to establish the Australian Conservatives. One Nation leader Pauline Hanson expressed confidence in Bernardi's ability to translate the party's rising poll numbers into electoral success.

Coalition Division Deepens
The relationship between the Liberals and Nationals has further deteriorated, with the two parties set to sit apart in the federal parliament when it reconvenes. Nationals leader David Littleproud and Liberal counterpart Sussan Ley failed to reach an agreement to mend their fractured alliance during recent discussions. Littleproud had previously described the Coalition as "untenable" under Ley's leadership, particularly following disagreements over Labor's hate speech legislation.

Invasion Day Protests Across Australia
On Invasion Day, thousands of First Nations people and their supporters gathered across Australia to protest against racism and the ongoing dispossession of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Yorta Yorta man Jye Charles emphasized the significance of the day, stating it serves as an opportunity for solidarity among Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. In addition to these protests, anti-immigration demonstrations were also held, with Pauline Hanson addressing a March for Australia event in Brisbane.

Wrap-up
As the political landscape in Australia shifts, the joining of Cory Bernardi with One Nation and the ongoing division within the Coalition signal significant challenges ahead. Simultaneously, the Invasion Day protests remind the nation of the ongoing struggles faced by Indigenous communities, highlighting the need for continued dialogue and action on these critical issues.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team