New South Wales Premier Chris Minns has strongly criticized One Nation leader Pauline Hanson's assertion that Australia cannot be a multicultural society. Minns addressed the comments during a speech at the NSW Labor conference in Sydney on Saturday, stating that the Labor party "will never peddle in the politics of fear."
"Our task is bigger than that – we must also beat back that darkness at the ballot box," Minns told delegates, MPs, and government ministers, as reported by The Sydney Morning Herald. He characterized fear as unsustainable and incapable of building a common direction or shaping a community, offering no vision or purpose. Minns also indicated that ahead of the state election in March 2027, Labor faces a significant challenge, stating, "We need to climb Everest just to stay where we are." He anticipates a difficult campaign against multiple opposition parties.
Federal Labor MP Ed Husic also spoke at the conference, addressing One Nation's polling success. "If you have a different face, a different surname, there is a place for you in this country," Husic stated, encouraging attendees not to be discouraged. One Nation's support remains robust, with a recent national Newspoll showing a slight decrease to 29 percent, while Labor saw a three-point rise to 33 percent. The Coalition's support has fallen to a record low of 17 percent.
Meanwhile, outside the conference proceedings, a protest organized by pro-Palestinian advocates called for the dropping of charges related to demonstrations against a visit by Israeli President Isaac Herzog in February. Scrutiny of protest laws and policing in New South Wales has increased following clashes between officers and protesters during previous demonstrations. Laws enacted after a December terror attack in Bondi, which were later struck down by the NSW Supreme Court, have been a point of contention. Over 50 motions from Labor branches and trade unions submitted before the conference called for the repeal of anti-protest legislation.
During Minns' entrance to the conference, two individuals unfurled a Palestinian flag. Security personnel subsequently escorted them out and removed the flag. Footage of the incident was shared on social media.
