Pauline Hanson’s nationally televised National Press Club address perhaps signals 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 over her opposition to wage rises for the lowest-paid workers.
1. Same Old Message, New Target
Three decades ago, Hanson argued multiculturalism should be “abolished” and Australia risked being “swamped by Asians”. On Wednesday, she targeted “radical Islam” and non-English speakers. “We cannot be a multicultural society. We are a multiracial society, but we must be monocultural,” she said. 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% spoke a language other than English at home, ignoring that fluent English speakers might use another language at home.
2. The Climate Change ‘Hoax’
Echoing Donald Trump, Hanson blamed the “hoax” of climate change for driving up energy prices and cost-of-living pressure. Her solution: ban wind and solar farms, cancel Snowy Hydro 2.0, end renewable subsidies, double down on fossil fuels, and build a nuclear reactor. She didn’t rule out taxpayer underwriting of nuclear power, a concept voters rejected at the last election. The CSIRO GenCost report found that a grid with 82% renewables would be a third cheaper than current wholesale electricity costs.
3. A Donald Trump-Style Attack on the Media
Hanson 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 her daughter’s employment in Senator Sean Bell’s office. Hanson told SBS political editor Anna Henderson she would be “without a job” when asked about scrapping SBS. She welcomed heightened scrutiny but sought to set terms, telling journalists not to “pile on” or “delegitimise” her party. She was evasive about committing to daily press conferences during the election campaign.
4. ‘Too Many Abortions in This Country’
One Nation’s website wants to reduce the gestational limit for abortion without specifying a limit. Hanson said 20 weeks was too late and called for a national debate. “I’m not against women that need an abortion for medical reasons… I’d rather educate women to use contraceptives than to go through an abortion. Too many abortions in this country,” she said.
5. The Champion of the Workers?
Hanson’s image as a battlers’ champion has been challenged by her voting record against pro-worker laws. Her criticism of a minimum wage increase was highlighted by a GetUp banner unfurled behind her during the speech. When confronted, Hanson defended siding with bosses, asking: “Is it really working for small business out there?”
