Labor MPs have been issued new talking points targeting One Nation, as the party's rising popularity sparks concern within the government. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese admitted in January that he was worried about the rise of One Nation, which has now overtaken the Coalition in several national opinion polls.
One Nation has launched a fundraising drive to 'fire the liar' and claims to have collected over $2m in donations this week, capitalising on broken promises in the federal budget. Albanese has acknowledged that reforms to negative gearing, capital gains tax and trusts were partly designed to counter One Nation's appeal.
Labor and its union allies have shifted their rhetorical attacks, targeting Pauline Hanson as if she were the opposition leader. The new talking points instruct MPs to describe One Nation as offering 'anger' and 'slogans' rather than 'solutions' and 'answers', and to highlight Hanson's record on wages and job security.
The Australian Council of Trade Unions has also targeted Hanson, with secretary Sally McManus releasing a video condemning her opposition to the recent minimum wage increase. Former Labor strategist Kos Samaras says Hanson's 'kryptonite' is convincing voters that she is not a champion of the working class.
However, some insiders question whether the strategy is working, as One Nation continues to gain support. The talking points avoid mentioning immigration, a sensitive topic for Labor, focusing instead on economic issues.
