Pauline Hanson's movement becomes a problem for Labor – now it has to respond
Australia's Labor government faces a growing challenge from Pauline Hanson's right-wing populist One Nation party, which has surged ahead in national polls.
In mid-January, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese publicly expressed his 'worry' about the rise of One Nation, saying it threatened the two-party system. Since then, several polls have ranked Hanson's party as the most popular in the country.
Labor and its union allies have shifted their rhetorical attacks, targeting Hanson as the de facto opposition leader. The party's head office has issued talking points describing One Nation as offering only 'anger' and 'slogans' rather than solutions. However, so far these efforts appear ineffective.
Some Labor MPs and advisers are concerned about the lack of a clear strategy against an opponent seemingly immune to scandal. The focus is on Hanson's 'appalling record' on wages and job security to undermine her working-class champion image.
Political strategist Kos Samaras says Hanson's 'kryptonite' is that she is not a true outsider but a politician who entered federal parliament over 30 years ago. Labor hopes to take advantage of time—the next federal election is not until 2028—and emphasize its strengths such as wage increases and cheaper medicines.
Upcoming Victorian state elections in November will serve as a testing ground. Trade Minister Don Farrell predicts populist parties come and go, and Labor has nothing to fear. Others caution against overreacting too early.
