In the current political climate, many Australians feel disillusioned with mainstream politics. The government's handling of rising anti-Semitism has been widely criticised, while the fractured Coalition appears more focused on individual careers than substantive policy ideas. It's understandable that voters are searching for alternatives, and in this context, Pauline Hanson's popularity has surged dramatically. However, a closer examination of her political career reveals significant shortcomings.
The Political Journey: From Oxley to the Senate
Pauline Hanson first entered Federal Parliament approximately three decades ago as the member for Oxley, though her initial stint was brief. She has consistently employed inflammatory language throughout her career, which likely contributed to her receiving close personal protection (CPP) – a status symbol some politicians cherish. Having experienced CPP during an election campaign myself, I found the constant surveillance intrusive rather than prestigious.
When a colleague once questioned why I didn't have similar protection, I simply responded: "Because nobody wants to kill me." Most politicians would moderate their rhetoric under such circumstances, but Hanson appeared to revel in the perceived status, using it to fuel her image as a political underdog.
A Pattern of Political Movement
Hanson entered the Senate in 2016 and remains there today, but her political journey raises questions about her priorities. Her movement between the House of Representatives and Senate, along with seeking election in various seats, suggests a politician more concerned with maintaining parliamentary presence than serving specific constituencies. This pattern indicates someone convinced of their own indispensability – a somewhat egocentric approach to public service.
Problematic Partnerships and Political Fallouts
Throughout her career, Hanson has formed and subsequently broken alliances with numerous political figures. Her partnership with David Oldfield began when he worked for Tony Abbott during the Howard government. She has also collaborated with Mark Latham and others, experiencing high-profile bust-ups with both male and female colleagues.
Her latest political partnership with Barnaby Joyce presents an interesting dynamic. While Joyce is an effective retail politician with more substance than some credit him, his ego remains largely unchecked. Both politicians share a history of seeking advantageous positions, though they differ in their approaches to problem-solving.
The Team Player Deficiency
Hanson's history of fractured relationships is particularly concerning because politics fundamentally operates as a team endeavour. Her record as both team player and captain reveals significant deficiencies, with her communication style offering telling evidence. She overwhelmingly uses first-person singular pronouns, with "you" and "we" rarely appearing in her rhetoric – suggesting her political project remains fundamentally self-focused.
Divisive Rhetoric and Policy Simplification
Hanson excels at amplifying existing societal fears, with immigration serving as her primary example. Australia stands among the world's top three immigration nations, with extensive experience managing migration programs. While legitimate concerns exist about recent intake size and distribution, Hanson's approach typically involves oversimplification.
Her recent call to stop Muslim migration represents particularly dangerous territory. Decisions based on race or religion should have no place in Australian policy-making. Has she forgotten that Muslims fought alongside Australian troops at Gallipoli? Or that Muslim spies like Noor Inayat Khan served the Allies during World War II? Many Muslims migrate to Australia precisely to escape radical Islam rather than spread it.
The Reality of Security Concerns
The threat from radical Islamists is genuine and requires careful management. However, responsible policy shouldn't make law-abiding Australian Muslims feel unwelcome or suspicious in their own country. Imagine being an Australian-born Muslim woman receiving suspicious glances simply because of her head covering. Stirring such divisiveness through lazy, broad-brush slogans represents careless cruelty.
There's certainly room for improving security vetting and potentially slowing visas from specific countries to allow thorough checks. However, closer immigration monitoring alone doesn't constitute the comprehensive solution Hanson presents. The internet's role in promoting dissent and terrorism means threats can emerge regardless of immigration status.
Fear-Mongering and Indigenous Affairs
Fanning fear remains Hanson's greatest political talent. She sows doubt, distrust and division, frequently along racial lines. For Indigenous Australians, she must represent a particular nightmare. While Indigenous affairs certainly requires reform and updating, Hanson offers criticism rather than constructive solutions – criticism that inevitably affects all Indigenous Australians.
Consider this metaphor: if you saw smoke near your house, Hanson would likely run up shouting "house on fire" without turning on the garden hose. She wouldn't call the fire brigade either, because she needs to position herself as the hero.
The Underdog Persona and Political Effectiveness
Perhaps most unattractive is how Hanson capitalises on Australia's affection for underdogs. She plays our sympathy for battlers like a cheap instrument, constantly reminding us of her courage and fighting spirit. While these personal attributes are genuine, they're shared by millions of Australians. What makes her "Aussie battler" credentials superior? Absolutely nothing.
Hanson has focused on immigration and Aboriginal affairs for decades – important issues central to Australian identity. Yet what has she actually achieved? Former National Party senator Ron Boswell titled his autobiography Not Pretty but Pretty Effective. That word "effective" doesn't apply to Hanson's policy contributions. She's effective at generating publicity, effective at amplifying fears, and effective at criticising others. But regarding tangible achievements, there simply aren't runs on the board.
