Key facts
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has publicly acknowledged concerns about the rise of Pauline Hanson's One Nation party.
- One Nation has surged in national opinion polls, leading some to consider it a significant political threat.
- Labor is strategizing to counter One Nation by focusing on economic issues, particularly wages and cost-of-living relief.
- The party's talking points instruct MPs to portray One Nation as offering 'anger' and 'slogans' rather than solutions.
- Trade unions are actively campaigning against One Nation, highlighting its opposition to wage increases.
- Labor aims to reframe Pauline Hanson as an 'insider' politician rather than the 'outsider' she presents herself as.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has publicly voiced concerns about the growing influence of Pauline Hanson's One Nation party, which has seen a significant surge in national opinion polls. This rise presents a challenge to Labor's political strategy, prompting the government to develop counter-messaging and policy initiatives.
Labor insiders acknowledge that reforms to negative gearing, capital gains tax, and trusts were partly aimed at addressing the frustrations driving voters towards rightwing populism. The party is also equipping its MPs with talking points to confront One Nation, framing it as a party of "anger" and "slogans" rather than substantive solutions. A key strategy involves highlighting Hanson's record on wages and job security to undermine her image as a champion of the working class.
Trade unions, including the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU), have also intensified their focus on One Nation, positioning it as a threat to working people. ACTU secretary Sally McManus has publicly condemned Hanson's opposition to minimum wage increases, stating that One Nation "backs the bosses over Aussie battlers every single time." Efforts are also underway to portray Hanson as an "insider" politician, despite her long parliamentary career, to counter her "outsider" appeal.
Some strategists believe that focusing on economic issues, particularly wages, is the most effective way to appeal to "red One Nation" voters. However, the effectiveness of these strategies remains a subject of debate among Labor MPs, with some questioning the government's coherence in combating an unconventional opponent. Others suggest that the Coalition, having previously engaged with One Nation, is better positioned to counter its influence, while Labor should focus on its core strengths.
Despite the concerns, some within the Labor party, like Trade Minister Don Farrell, remain confident that One Nation's rise is a temporary phenomenon, characteristic of populist parties in Australia. With the next federal election not scheduled until 2028, Labor believes it has time to refine its policies and messaging to effectively counter Hanson's appeal.