Key facts
- Thousands of Australian students are participating in nationwide walkouts to protest Pauline Hanson's policies.
- Organizers, the National Union of Students, cite concerns about racism and the far-right.
- Students argue Hanson's policies do not benefit them and that protesting is a priority over attending class.
- Politicians, including the federal education minister, urged students to remain in school.
- Pauline Hanson suggested students should instead protest the cost-of-living crisis and stagnant wage growth.
- A One Nation MP denied the party is racist, stating its followers are diverse.
Thousands of Australian students are participating in coordinated walkouts across the country to protest against Senator Pauline Hanson and her One Nation party's policies. The protests, organized by the National Union of Students, are framed as a stand against racism and the far-right.
Organizers state that Hanson's policies do not benefit students and that many are motivated to protest her platform. The National Union of Students' flyers call to 'fight against racism' and 'stand up against the far right.' Akash Nagarajan, the union's general secretary, noted that Hanson's primary vote has significantly increased in the past year.
In response to the protests, Pauline Hanson suggested on social media that students should instead focus on protesting the cost-of-living crisis and stagnant national wage growth, stating that the current government is detrimental to their future. She asserted that she and One Nation are fighting for the students.
Despite these calls, politicians including federal Education Minister Jason Clare and Victorian Premier Ben Carroll urged students to prioritize their education and not skip class. However, students like Melbourne high schooler Jules Arpula expressed that protesting Hanson's influence is more important than attending school on Thursday, stating they refuse to adapt to 'Hansonism.'
Nagarajan further criticized Hanson's voting record, citing her opposition to policies like free TAFE, increased public school funding, and student debt reduction. Hanson's recent public statements, including a call for a 'monocultural' Australia and an appearance on a podcast with a British far-right activist, have also drawn criticism.
Victorian One Nation MP Rickie-Lee Tyrrell refuted claims that her party is racist, calling the accusations false and accusing the socialist party of misleading students. She highlighted the diversity within One Nation's followers, members, and candidates.
Monash University senior politics lecturer Benjamin Moffitt commented that walkouts are an effective way for students, some too young to vote, to voice dissent. He added that the rallies aim to encourage Australians considering voting for One Nation to reconsider their choices.