Liberal frontbencher Andrew Hastie has rejected Pauline Hanson's vision of an Australian 'monoculture,' warning against political extremes and accusing One Nation of attempting a 'hostile takeover' of the center-right.
In an interview with ABC's 7.30 program, the West Australian MP criticized Hanson and her party, arguing that Australians should be united by shared values, institutions, and national identity rather than cultural debates.
Hastie dismissed Hanson's calls for a monocultural national identity, stating that both monoculturalism and certain versions of multiculturalism have become loaded political concepts. "I reject both polar opposites," he said. "I think there is a third way, and that is just recognizing that we have a great country full of diversity."
He asserted that Australian identity should not be defined by ethnicity or cultural background but by a commitment to common institutions and values. "It doesn't matter where you're from or what color your skin is," Hastie stated. "If you sign up to our shared language, which is English, our shared institutions like parliament and the rule of law or our judiciary, and if you sign up to our shared symbol, that is the Australian national flag, then you're Australian."
Hastie suggested that migrants from diverse backgrounds can maintain connections to their cultural heritage while embracing a common Australian identity. "It doesn't matter if you have a curry on the weekend or whether you go to mass at a Greek Orthodox church or whether you celebrate the Chinese New Year," he said. "If you sign up to those things, you're Australian."
The interview comes amid a public disagreement between Hastie and Hanson, who has previously criticized the Liberal MP for giving evidence relating to war crimes allegations against former SAS soldier Ben Roberts-Smith.
Hastie declared that One Nation had "declared war" on him, a statement he clarified was related to the Liberal Party's efforts to rebuild after their election loss and reclaim voters who had shifted to minor parties. He described One Nation's ambitions as extending beyond attracting protest votes, characterizing their actions as a "hostile takeover of the center-right."
"I still think the Liberal Party carries the flame for the center-right movement. I want to see Angus Taylor as our next Prime Minister, and that's why I'm not going to mess around with One Nation. My focus is defeating the Albanese government," Hastie said.
Despite his criticisms of Hanson and her party, Hastie expressed sympathy for many One Nation supporters, acknowledging their frustrations with issues such as immigration, housing, energy costs, and economic decline. "I have a lot of sympathy for One Nation voters. In fact, I want them in my column," he said.
However, he argued that One Nation has not presented a credible alternative for governing the nation. "I don't think they're serious about governing for all Australians," Hastie concluded. "I think the way they've conducted some of their online campaigning recently reveals that."