Pauline Hanson extends olive branch to ‘smarmy’ political rival in ambitious plan to get rid of Anthony Albanese: ‘Turn the other cheek’
Pauline Hanson said at CPAC Australia that One Nation would work with the Coalition to remove the Albanese government, despite launching a fierce attack on Angus Taylor and Liberal policies. She criticised Taylor as a "smarmy management consultant" and attacked the Coalition's record on climate policy, the eSafety Commissioner and free speech. Her willingness to cooperate matters because it suggests a potential political realignment that could reshape Australian politics.
Speaking at Brisbane's Royal International Convention Centre, Hanson said she had forgiven the Liberal Party for its past treatment of her, including jailing her, and urged others to put personal grievances aside "for the sake of this country". She vowed to abolish the eSafety Commissioner and criticised the Coalition for creating it. Nationals leader Matt Canavan reminded Hanson she had previously vowed to remove Taylor from his seat, whilst Taylor denied allegations of splitting the conservative vote during his separate interview with host Karl Stefanovic.
- Hanson says One Nation will work with Liberals to remove Labor government
- Despite criticising Angus Taylor as unfit for leadership
- She claims she has put aside past grievances for the country
New here? Start with this
Pauline Hanson leads One Nation, a political party that has challenged mainstream politics in Australia. The current Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, leads the Labor government, whilst the Coalition—comprising the Liberal Party and the Nationals—forms the opposition. In Australian politics, when neither major party wins an outright majority of seats, smaller parties like One Nation can prove decisive in determining which side forms government.
Hanson and the Liberal Party have had a fraught relationship spanning decades. Hanson has been particularly critical of Liberal politician Angus Taylor, and has previously stated publicly that she wanted to see him removed from parliament. This history of hostility has made any suggestion of cooperation between One Nation and the Coalition historically unlikely.
Hanson's recent comments signalling willingness to work with the Coalition to remove the Albanese government are therefore noteworthy, as they hint at a significant shift in political alliances. Her statement that she has forgiven past grievances "for the sake of this country" suggests the possibility of a new political arrangement that could influence the outcome of future elections and the formation of government.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Hanson's willingness to set aside personal grievances and work with political opponents demonstrates pragmatic leadership focused on achieving what she believes is essential for the country—removing a government she views as harmful. By emphasising forgiveness and national interest over personal disputes, she positions political cooperation as a mature, responsible choice that voters can respect, even if they disagree with her methods or partners.
The case against
Hanson's simultaneous criticism of Coalition policies—on climate, the eSafety Commissioner, and free speech—whilst proposing to work with them raises legitimate questions about consistency and credibility. If these policies are genuinely harmful, as she claims, partnering with the Coalition appears opportunistic rather than principled, suggesting her primary motivation is opposing Labour rather than advancing coherent policy positions.