Pauline Hanson, the leader of the One Nation party, has personally intervened to help a struggling farmer pay for vital medical scans during a campaign visit to North Queensland. The senator handed over $420 in cash after hearing the woman's story, in an encounter that has since fuelled her political attacks on Australia's healthcare system and immigration policy.
A Campaign Stop Turns Charitable
The incident occurred last week outside Townsville, as Hanson campaigned for the upcoming by-election in the seat of Hinchinbrook. The seat became vacant after Katter Party MP Nick Dametto retired to run for Mayor of Townsville. At the last election, the Coalition secured the seat with a significant 17 per cent swing in the two-party-preferred vote. Meanwhile, One Nation's primary vote increased by nearly 9 per cent, while Labor's support fell to single digits.
Hanson pulled over at a mango farm, initially hoping to buy some fruit. "I saw this farm and the mangoes were just falling from the trees, and I thought, I'm going to call in there and see if I can get some mangoes," she explained. There, she met the farm's owner, Sue, who generously offered her mangoes for free.
However, their conversation took a serious turn when Sue revealed she was suffering from serious, unspecified health issues. The regional woman said she needed a mammogram and X-rays, which would cost her $420 out of pocket. She claimed that without paying, she would face a wait of months to see a public doctor.
"Your Health is Everything": Hanson's Reaction
Hanson, in an interaction that appeared professionally filmed, expressed shock at the delay. "Your health is everything," she told Sue. "It's disgusting that Australians can't get decent healthcare." In a move that left Sue visibly stunned and emotional, Hanson then reached into her pocket and handed her the cash to cover the scan costs.
"That's for your x-rays," Hanson stated firmly. An overwhelmed Sue responded, "Oh my goodness, I will definitely… thank you so much." The pair shared a hug before Hanson handed out mango biscuits to Sue's friend, stating, "Charity starts at home. We've got to look after our own."
Hanson swiftly pivoted to a political critique, lashing out at the government. She accused it of neglecting Australians while prioritising immigration. "They're proud they've brought in a million refugees into our country, and they can't even look after their own Australian people. It's disgraceful," she said. "Too many Australians are falling through the cracks because of the cost of living driven by this government and the previous one."
Political Context and Policy Promises
The heartfelt encounter coincides with a resurgence for One Nation. Recent YouGov and Redbridge polls show the party's voter support at a record high of 18 per cent. Hanson used the moment to reiterate her core policy messages.
"We're going to keep fighting for this," she vowed. "Cut mass migration. Ensure our health system works for Australians." Her comments echoed a fiery speech she gave in Melbourne on Sunday, where she rallied against mass immigration and called for stronger loyalty requirements for newcomers.
Hanson told supporters that while she welcomed migrants, they should express an "undivided loyalty" to Australia, threatening to "personally escort you to the airport" if they could not. She described the current immigration system as "a Ponzi scheme," accusing the government of using high migration to boost tax revenue while ordinary citizens bear the cost. Hanson also vowed to run candidates in every seat across Victoria in the state's 2026 election.
The story highlights the variable costs in Australia's healthcare system, where many medical providers set their own prices for diagnostic imaging. Health authorities advise patients to ask for costs upfront to avoid surprises. If a clinic opts to bulk bill, the patient pays nothing out of pocket.
