In a fiery address to ecstatic supporters, One Nation leader Pauline Hanson delivered a stark warning to South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas following the state election. Speaking at the Kent Town Hotel in inner suburban Adelaide on Saturday night, Hanson basked in the glow of her party's primary vote rocketing to approximately 20%, a result that has sent shockwaves through the political landscape.
A Jubilant Celebration of Electoral Success
The atmosphere at the election night party was one of unbridled jubilation, with orange-clad supporters—predominantly older and white—whooping and hollering as results flashed on television screens. Chants of "Pauline! Pauline!" echoed through the room, with one man shouting, "We love you Pauline," capturing the adoration of the crowd. Hanson, however, downplayed her role, stating, "Today is not about Pauline Hanson," even as she took center stage.
Hanson's Direct Message to the Premier
In a pointed remark aimed at Premier Peter Malinauskas, who has previously highlighted Hanson's Queensland origins, she declared, "Guess what, mate. I'm going to leave you some landmines." She elaborated that these "landmines" include the party's state leader Carlos Quaremba, newly elected upper-house MP Cory Bernardi, and potentially lower-house MPs, suggesting they could "explode" in the political arena. This threat underscores One Nation's newfound influence in South Australia.
Supporters' Enthusiasm and Policy Appeal
The crowd's excitement was palpable, with many viewing the vote surge as just the beginning of a political revolution. Supporters like Kyle Watson, who had Hanson sign a T-shirt featuring her image in bathers, exemplified the personal devotion she inspires. When asked about policy specifics, some supporters struggled to articulate details, with one simply repeating, "I'm so excited," three times. Others, like Jan Ween, praised Hanson's character, saying, "She's just gorgeous—and I'm a happy Jan. I like everything about her. She's like my mum, my grandmother. I like her principles and her policies." Ween specifically cited immigration reduction as a key appeal.
Polling and Political Impact
Recent polls leading up to the election had already signaled One Nation's rise, with YouGov showing 22% to the Liberals' 19% and Newspoll at 22% to 16%. Cory Bernardi, the controversial former Liberal senator who joined One Nation in February, noted that the party has long been "dismissed as ... a party of protest," but this result challenges that perception. Earlier, Hanson had posted on Instagram, "Whatever the result, you've put the major parties into a panic—and that's a job well done," highlighting the strategic disruption her campaign has caused.
Post-Address Festivities and Symbolism
After Hanson departed, the celebration continued with Flaming Sambucas and dancefloor hits like Abba's Waterloo, with the crowd singing, "I feel like I win, win or lose." In a symbolic gesture, they dedicated Elton John's I'm Still Standing to Hanson, reinforcing her resilience and enduring presence in Australian politics. The event featured notable figures such as anti-lockdown activist Monica Smit and George Mamalis from Turning Point Australia, both receiving shout-outs from Quaremba, further cementing the party's connections to right-wing movements.
This election outcome marks a significant moment for One Nation, positioning it as a formidable force in South Australian politics and setting the stage for potential clashes with the Labor-led government under Premier Malinauskas.
