3 February 2026
The Greens say there's a real risk that One Nation could secure the balance of power in the Upper House and impose Cory Bernardi's extreme agenda on the state.
Quotes attributable to Robert Simms MLC
"Cory Bernardi has more baggage than a 747. This guy likened same sex marriage to bestiality.[1] He doesn't approve of single parent families and same-sex parents[2], and opposes the rights of women to make choices about their own bodies, likening abortion to a 'death industry’.[3] He's opposed free school breakfasts for kids whose parents are struggling[4] and he wants to give small businesses a free hand to hire and fire[5]. He outlines these extreme views in his manifesto The Conservative Revolution.
"If Cory Bernadi's One Nation wins the balance of power in the Upper House, what will this mean for women's rights, LGBTI rights and workers’ rights in our state? The choice in the Upper House is clear - the competent Green team with a positive vision and proven track record, or the ugly division of Bernardi and One Nation."
Quotes attributable to Lead Upper House Candidate Melanie Selwood
“One Nation are trying to paint themselves as anti-establishment, but they’re filling their ranks with Liberal senators like Cory Bernardi. They don’t stand for people who are struggling. In Parliament they have consistently voted against protecting workers, against housing affordability measures, and against reducing the cost of TAFE and Uni.”
“One Nation would rather draw us into culture wars that divide us instead of solving our real problems – the few that are hoarding wealth while many struggle.”
“Divisive politics does not belong in South Australia. The Greens have a positive vision instead of divisive rhetoric.”
Quotes Attributable to Upper House Candidate Katie McCusker
“I’m out speaking to our community all the time. What they’re asking for are real solutions to the cost-of-living crisis and a positive vision for the future. What they don’t want is misdirection and blame-gaming.
“The Greens work with community instead of pitting them against one another.”
“As a proud single mother, I’m personally offended that Mr Bernardi considers parents like me to be an inadequate role model for my child.”
[1] https://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-09-19/controversy-over-cory-bernardi-bestiality-comments/4269604
[2] Cory Bernardi, The Conservative Revolution (Ballarat, VIC: Connor Court Publishing, 2013), 70-71.
[3] Cory Bernardi, The Conservative Revolution (Ballarat, VIC: Connor Court Publishing, 2013), 40.
[4] Cory Bernardi, The Conservative Revolution (Ballarat, VIC: Connor Court Publishing, 2013), 88.
[5] Cory Bernardi, The Conservative Revolution (Ballarat, VIC: Connor Court Publishing, 2013), 125.