Pauline Hanson, leader of the Australian political party One Nation, is positioning herself as a serious contender for prime minister, a significant shift from her nearly three-decade career as a prominent protest figure. Recent polling suggests One Nation is gaining substantial traction, challenging major parties and potentially reordering the political landscape.
Hanson's party is reportedly polling close to the Labor Party's primary vote and significantly ahead of the Coalition. One Nation also outperformed the Liberals in a recent South Australian state election and won the Farrer by-election, a seat previously held by the Coalition for over two decades. Some polls even indicate Hanson is preferred Prime Minister over current PM Anthony Albanese.
Despite the polling surge, Hanson remains measured, emphasizing that only election results are definitive. "We don't take this increased support for granted. Our challenge is to maintain and build on the support One Nation is receiving, turn it into votes, and show that our party can deliver," she stated. The party is actively recruiting candidates and developing policies, with approximately 1,200 applications received for the upcoming Victorian state election. This effort aims to build a more disciplined political organization beyond Hanson's personal brand.
Hanson contends that Australia has changed around her core policy stances, particularly on immigration and climate targets. She believes more Australians now connect government policies with declining living standards and a loss of control over community changes. "I put Australians first," she asserted, highlighting her consistent message.
If elected Prime Minister, Hanson has outlined three immediate priorities: "I'll immediately act to slash immigration to reduce housing demand, and scrap net zero to reduce the cost of living." She also plans to "slash wasteful government spending so we can reduce inflation and hopefully get mortgage rates down." This agenda focuses on reduced immigration, abandoning net zero emissions policies, and cutting government expenditure.
Immigration and Multiculturalism
Hanson's stance on immigration, particularly her 1996 maiden speech where she warned of Australia being "swamped by Asians," remains a defining aspect of her political career. She maintains her position, noting the significant increase in Asian-born residents since 1996. "I don't think I was wrong about mass immigration from Asian countries," she said. Hanson also identified radical Islam as a present danger, advocating for a ban on immigration from countries immersed in it.
Looking to the future, Hanson expressed a hope for a "monocultural Australia" by 2050, describing her vision as a country that is "safe, secure, strong, prosperous, self-sufficient, independent, united and free." While supporters interpret "monocultural" as a shared national identity, critics view it as a rejection of modern multicultural Australia.
Parliamentary Resources and Political Strategy
Hanson has also raised concerns about parliamentary resources, alleging that Prime Minister Albanese has refused to grant One Nation the staff and resources typically allocated to parties with their level of representation. She argues that such decisions should not be at the discretion of a "highly partisan PM."
Prime Minister Albanese and the Labor Party have reportedly sharpened their attacks on Hanson, particularly regarding her language on multiculturalism, Asia, and Islam. This strategy aims to define Hanson before she can reach a wider electorate. However, Hanson's camp suggests that criticism can further bolster her narrative of being an outsider targeted by the establishment. The exclusion of Hanson from media debates is also seen as potentially elevating her profile.
Succession and Future
At 72, Hanson addressed questions about succession, stating, "I can assure you they won't be carrying me out of Parliament in a box." She emphasized a commitment to merit-based leadership selection over nepotism or favoritism for One Nation's future leaders. While Hanson acknowledges the need for the party to endure beyond her, her personal brand remains central to its current momentum. The approaching federal election will be a crucial test of whether Hanson can translate her significant political disruption into governing power.