One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has declared she is ready to become the Prime Minister of Australia and is considering a run for a seat in the House of Representatives. Her comments come after a Redbridge-Accent Research projection indicated that One Nation could secure more than 50 seats at the next federal election.
Hanson's Ambition for the Top Job
In an interview with Sky News' Sunday Agenda, Ms Hanson stated that she believes she has the capability to lead the nation. "Do I want to be Prime Minister? Well, I tell you what, I won't knock the job because I believe that I have the ability to do it," she said. "I'm not going to underestimate myself or say, 'no, I can't do it,' because you know, have a look at what we've got now. That's why we're in a mess."
Considering a Lower House Run
Ms Hanson revealed that running for a seat in the House of Representatives, rather than the Senate, is "in consideration" for the 2028 election. "It is in consideration by all means, it is in the mix but I'm not making a decision now... It will be based on political strategy as well," she added.
Criticism of the Albanese Government
The One Nation leader described the Albanese government as the "worst" she has seen in her three decades in politics. "I see the destruction that's happened here. We've lost over 1400 industries, manufacturing, 50,000 small businesses gone insolvent," she said. "This isn't the country that I grew up in. So, whether it's Pauline Hanson as Prime Minister ... we've got someone else to take on that job."
Confidence in Her Team
When asked if she had the team to form a competent cabinet, Ms Hanson responded, "You bet I do." She praised her current MPs and highlighted former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce, former senator Cory Bernardi, and David Farley, who won the seat of Farrer. "We've got a great team," she said.
One Nation's Rising Poll Numbers
According to the latest modelling, One Nation would form the official opposition if an election were held today, winning 53 seats compared to just 12 for the Coalition. The party has also become the most trusted on immigration, advocating for a cap of 130,000 visas per year.
Housing Over Migration
When asked if her immigration policy would drive up aged care costs due to a lack of workers, Ms Hanson argued that housing is a more pressing issue. "Mass migration means that the fact is we've got, you know, lack of housing, so what's more important?" she said. "You don't care about people living in their cars, families in tents in their caravans? So that's no problem to you whatsoever? Well, that is an issue for me."
Labor's Response
Labor's Cabinet Secretary Andrew Charlton acknowledged One Nation's surge but denied they were a viable alternative. "It's clear that One Nation's vote has been rising in the polls, there's no denying that. That's a phenomenon that we've seen all around the world," he told Sunday Agenda. "The challenge with One Nation is they are very good at pointing out grievances. They are much less good at providing solutions."
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has previously said the party appeals to people's "darkest forces." Ms Hanson argued that One Nation attracts voters from all sides, not just the Coalition. She recounted a conversation with a former Labor voter who said he would no longer vote for them. "I hear this constantly all the time. (People) are hurting so much. They want truth, honesty, they want clear policies," she said.
