Labor has blamed cost-of-living pressure and global instability for Pauline Hanson’s rising popularity after a new poll shows the One Nation Leader overtaking Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Appearing on Sunrise on Monday, senior Labor minister Tanya Plibersek was pressed on why voters appeared to be drifting towards Ms Hanson despite the government’s economic policies and cost-of-living measures.

Asked what was driving support away from Labor and towards One Nation, Ms Plibersek said Australians were feeling increasing financial pressure.

“Yeah, well, we get it. I mean, people are feeling under pressure. They’re feeling it in their budgets.”

She argued Labor was the only party offering solutions through higher wages, lower taxes and increased investment in healthcare and education.

“We are the only party that wants to change that,” she said.

Ms Plibersek launched a broadside at One Nation, accusing the party of opposing measures designed to improve wages and worker protections.

“There’s nothing in the One Nation policy bank that would actually make anything easier for ordinary Australians.”

Sunrise host Monique Wright repeatedly challenged the minister on why voters appeared unconvinced by Labor’s message despite the government’s policy agenda.

“If you’re full of policy, why is Australia not listening?” Ms Wright asked.

Ms Plibersek pointed to lingering economic fallout from COVID-19, the war in Ukraine and escalating tensions in the Middle East.

“It’s a very uncertain world, and people are feeling that.”

She said Labor’s focus remained on delivering tax cuts, wage growth, cheaper medicines and housing assistance, while acknowledging public frustration remained high.

“I think people are really frustrated, and we’ve got to demonstrate that things are changing, and that takes a while.”

Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce used the appearance to argue voters had lost trust in Labor and accused the government of failing to deliver on promises made before the election.

“No one believes you, because before the last election, you lied, you lied. And when people have lied, no one believes you anymore.”

Mr Joyce also outlined policy areas he said were resonating with voters, including opposition to net zero emissions targets, tax reform and infrastructure spending.

The discussion then turned to Ms Hanson, with Ms Wright noting the One Nation leader had recently suggested her daughter, Lee Hanson, could eventually succeed her as party leader.

Asked whether he was helping prepare Senator Hanson for her upcoming National Press Club address, Mr Joyce confirmed the pair remained in regular contact.

“I’ll certainly come, be there, and we do talk about things all the time. We get along very well.”

The exchange comes as One Nation continues to gain momentum in opinion polling, adding pressure on Labor as it seeks to convince voters its cost-of-living measures are making a difference.