Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has accused One Nation of misrepresenting itself to voters, as leader Pauline Hanson faces increased scrutiny over her policy proposals. Speaking on Sunday, Albanese criticised Hanson's call for further cuts to overseas migration, warning it would worsen skilled worker shortages.
Hanson, whose party has overtaken Labor and the Coalition in recent polls, addressed the National Press Club on Wednesday, claiming multiculturalism had failed and blaming housing shortages on immigration. She has also accepted a private plane worth over $1.5 million from billionaire Gina Rinehart, who has influenced One Nation's policies on welfare, defence, and infrastructure.
Albanese highlighted that One Nation opposed increases to the minimum wage, expansions of Medicare, and free TAFE programs, while accepting donations from wealthy individuals. 'You can't say we want to stop migration but not want to upskill Australians,' he told Sky News.
Opposition Leader Angus Taylor urged Liberal members not to defect to One Nation, arguing the party's approach would 'blow this country up'. Liberal President Tony Abbott has been personally contacting party members to retain them. Taylor stressed the need for a credible plan and team, which only the Coalition can provide.
Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister Ted O'Brien dismissed Hanson's suggestion to withhold aid from Pacific nations receiving Chinese assistance, calling it 'not what a friend does'. Papua New Guinea's Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko had previously criticised Hanson's linking of aid to corruption as 'defaming and unnecessary'.
