Key facts
- Barnaby Joyce stated that One Nation does not support the White Australia policy.
- Joyce backed Pauline Hanson's comments on "mass deportations" of visa overstayers.
- Hanson expressed strong approval for the concept of "mass deportation".
- One Nation aims to deport 75,000 illegal migrants.
- Hanson's daughter and Joyce defended her comments, claiming she was misinterpreted.
- One Nation's primary vote has improved in recent polling.
Barnaby Joyce has stated that One Nation does not support the White Australia policy, while simultaneously backing his party leader Pauline Hanson's controversial remarks on "mass deportations" of individuals overstaying their visas. Hanson's comments, made during a trip to Europe and in a podcast with Tommy Robinson, have drawn significant criticism and calls for clarification.
Hanson's attendance at a fashion show and downtime in Italy with Gina Rinehart, alongside her podcast interview, have been points of discussion. During the podcast, Hanson reportedly linked the end of the White Australia policy to current migration issues. Her daughter, Lee Hanson, and Joyce have since defended her, asserting that her remarks were taken out of context and that she does not support the return of the White Australia policy.
Joyce elaborated on the "mass deportations" concept, suggesting that individuals found not to be legally present would be removed. He also posited a "chain of events" stemming from the abolition of the White Australia policy that he believes has led to assimilation problems. Labor minister Tanya Plibersek criticized Hanson's statements and associations, accusing her of changing her stance when challenged.
Despite the controversies, One Nation has seen an improvement in its polling numbers, now sitting equal with Labor on primary vote in the latest Newspoll.