Pauline Hanson used her first National Press Club address to sharpen One Nation’s pitch on immigration, multiculturalism, media funding and government spending, arguing Australia must change course as her party enjoys its strongest polling in years. In a wide-ranging speech, the One Nation leader doubled down on plans to abolish SBS, move the ABC to a subscription model, cut migration, restrict foreign students and reduce the size of government, presenting her party as an alternative to both Labor and the Coalition.
The appearance, her first at the National Press Club in a 30-year political career, came as recent polling placed One Nation ahead of both major parties on primary vote and pushed Hanson back into the national spotlight. It was not without drama. Midway through the address, a protest banner criticising One Nation’s stance on a minimum wage rise was lowered behind her before staff quickly removed it and the speech continued.
Hanson opened with a swipe at Welcome to Country ceremonies, telling the audience, “Don’t expect a divisive Welcome to Country from me,” before adding, “This beautiful country belongs to all Australians born here and those who have come to join us.” She then turned her attention to multiculturalism, declaring it a failed policy and stating: “We are a multiracial society, but we must be monocultural.” The comments drew immediate attention as Hanson sought to position One Nation’s approach as one centred on a shared national identity rather than cultural diversity.
Immigration remained central to her message throughout. Hanson repeated her commitment to sharply reducing migration and tightening the student visa system, arguing Australia must place greater emphasis on integration and national cohesion. Under questioning, she confirmed she wanted to guard against further Muslim migration. Asked whether she wanted Australia protected from growing Muslim migration, Hanson replied, “Not if I got any say in it.” She added: “It’s radical Islam that is my grave concern.” Pressed on whether this was already happening and something she was trying to prevent, Hanson said: “Yes. And I don’t want Australia to become like other countries such as Britain.” The comments are likely to reignite debate about immigration and multiculturalism, particularly as migration continues to feature prominently in discussions around housing affordability, infrastructure and the cost of living.
The One Nation leader also used the event to defend her proposal to abolish SBS. In an exchange with SBS chief political reporter Anna Henderson, Hanson suggested multilingual broadcasting was no longer necessary if migrants were expected to integrate into Australian society
The One Nation leader also used the event to defend her proposal to abolish SBS. In an exchange with SBS chief political reporter Anna Henderson, Hanson suggested multilingual broadcasting was no longer necessary if migrants were expected to integrate into Australian society. When Henderson asked whether helping migrants access information in their own languages supported integration, Hanson replied, “You’re going to be without a job, certainly.” She then added: “No, I want them to be able to learn to speak English before they get here to get their citizenship.” One Nation has pledged to shut SBS and convert the ABC into a subscription-funded service in metropolitan areas while retaining taxpayer support for regional, rural and remote broadcasting where commercial media is limited.
Economic self-sufficiency was another recurring theme. Hanson argued Australia had become too dependent on overseas supply chains, pointing to recent international tensions, including disruptions linked to conflict in the Middle East, as evidence the country needed to rebuild domestic manufacturing capacity. She said Australia should become less reliant on foreign suppliers for fuel, fertiliser and other strategic industries. On government spending, Hanson signalled support for reducing the size of the public sector and indicated several departments could face closure under a One Nation government, including what she described as the “Aboriginal department”.
The speech was briefly overshadowed by a heated exchange with Guardian Australia journalist Sarah Martin, who questioned Hanson about the employment of her daughter, Lee Hanson, as a political adviser. “Taxpayers are paying more than $150,000 a year for your daughter, Lee Hanson, to seemingly campaign full-time in Tasmania while employed as a political adviser for a NSW senator. Did you have any role in appointing her to that position?” Martin asked.
“Honestly, you never give up,” Hanson responded. She accused Martin of repeatedly targeting One Nation and said she would no longer grant her interviews. Hanson then denied any involvement in her daughter’s appointment, saying: “I didn’t get her that job. She got the job on her own merits by someone who actually wanted to employ her, her abilities, her skills in HR, her abilities in working for the Tasmanian University for eight years… [she] was head of a department down there.”
The address highlighted how far Australia’s political debate has shifted. Many of the issues Hanson focused on, including migration levels, foreign students, housing, multiculturalism and government spending, now sit much closer to the centre of national politics than they did a decade ago. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese continues to face pressure over housing affordability, infrastructure and population growth. Net overseas migration has already fallen from its post-pandemic peak, but remains a potent political issue.
Reducing migration further carries risks. International education remains one of Australia’s largest export industries, employers continue to report labour shortages, and slower population growth can weigh on economic activity and government revenue. Those competing pressures have become a central challenge for governments of both political persuasions as they attempt to balance economic growth with growing public concerns about housing and infrastructure.
For Hanson, the challenge may eventually shift. If governments continue reducing migration and tightening visa settings, One Nation may find itself needing to explain why its proposed cuts should go further still. What is beyond dispute is that Hanson is no longer operating on the margins. Her National Press Club appearance reflected a reality both major parties are increasingly confronting: One Nation’s ideas are attracting attention well beyond its traditional support base, and the debate over migration, identity and Australia’s future is becoming harder to ignore.
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