Pauline Hanson’s nationally televised address to the National Press Club marks a significant moment, perhaps signaling her arrival in the Australian political mainstream. The One Nation leader used the platform to rail against multiculturalism, the climate change “hoax,” and the media, in a speech interrupted by a protest highlighting her opposition to wage rises for low-paid workers.
Same Old Message, New Target
Three decades ago, Hanson argued in her first federal parliament speech that multiculturalism should be “abolished” and Australia risked being “swamped by Asians.” On Wednesday, she made similar claims, now targeting “radical Islam” and non-English speakers for eroding national identity. “We cannot be a multicultural society. We are a multiracial society, but we must be monocultural,” she said in a prepared speech lasting over 50 minutes. Asked if Australia was in danger of being “swamped by Muslims,” Hanson replied: “Not if I get any say in it.” She cited 2021 census figures showing 23% of people speak a language other than English at home, questioning how social cohesion can be achieved if people cannot speak the language.
The Climate Change ‘Hoax’
Echoing Donald Trump, Hanson directly blamed the “hoax” of climate change for driving up energy prices and cost-of-living pressures. Her solution: ban wind and solar farms, cancel Snowy Hydro 2.0, end renewables subsidies, double down on fossil fuels, and build a nuclear reactor. She did not rule out taxpayer underwriting of nuclear power, reviving a concept voters rejected at the last federal election. The CSIRO GenCost report found that generating electricity with 82% renewables would be a third cheaper than current wholesale costs, contradicting Hanson’s claims.
Donald Trump-Style Attack on the Media
Hanson’s verbal assault on the media mirrored Trump’s playbook. She vowed to defund SBS, declaring “there’s no need for it any more,” and turn the ABC into a subscription service in capital cities. She launched a personal attack on Guardian Australia’s Sarah Martin, calling her a “trashy journalist” after Martin asked about Hanson’s role in her daughter’s employment. Hanson also told SBS political editor Anna Henderson she would be “without a job” when asked about scrapping SBS. While welcoming heightened scrutiny, Hanson sought to set terms, telling journalists they lacked license to “pile on” or “delegitimise” her party. She was evasive when asked about committing to daily press conferences during the election campaign.
‘Too Many Abortions in This Country’
One Nation’s website seeks to reduce the gestational limit for abortion without specifying a limit. Hanson clarified that 20 weeks is too late, calling for a national debate. “I’m not against women that need an abortion for medical reasons… I’d rather educate women to use contraceptives. Too many abortions in this country,” she said.
The Champion of the Workers?
Hanson’s self-styled image as the battlers’ champion has been challenged by opponents highlighting her history of voting against pro-worker laws. Her criticism of minimum wage increases was depicted in a banner unfurled behind her during the speech, a stunt credited to GetUp. Defending her voting record, Hanson asked: “Is it really working for small business out there?”
