Labor looks for ways to counter One Nation’s changing tactics

Topic: Government and Politics

Pauline Hanson changes her message often and has long been free to shape it for each political moment. (ABC News: Adam Kennedy)

If you have an extra $5, $10 or even $42, Labor asks you to help stop Pauline Hanson.

These different price asks come with online fundraising messages that show how Labor is dealing with the threat from One Nation.

But beyond the small cash asks, a more detailed plan is appearing.

These different price asks come with online fundraising messages that show how Labor is dealing with the threat from One Nation. (Instagram)

Labor now tries not just to attack One Nation, but to link Hanson and the Coalition together in voters’ minds as sharing the same goals.

"One Nation and the Coalition are on a joint ticket to hurt universal super," says an Instagram ad that asks for a $10 donation this week.

A post for richer Labor supporters says One Nation is "growing" and the "hard truth" is the Liberals can "only govern with Pauline Hanson".

"If everyone seeing this ad gave just $5 today, we could fight One Nation and the Coalition," it says.

Another post aimed at "anyone who wants to stop One Nation" asks for $30 to help Labor train volunteers.

Labor’s online marketing plan is clear.

First, point out Hanson’s record on workers’ rights, wages and conditions.

Then, warn that the Coalition cannot govern without One Nation’s support.

Labor increasingly argues that its two opponents share a common policy plan.

Jim Chalmers says he is "really worried" about the future of super when the Liberals, Nationals and One Nation control it. (ABC News: Matt Roberts)

A shifting political agenda

A fundraising text to ALP supporters, appearing to come from Treasurer Jim Chalmers, asked for $42 because Liberal Andrew Bragg "wants to scrap your super" and Hanson is "backing him".

Hanson replied on X, calling Chalmers "full of shit" and saying One Nation does not plan to end super.

When asked for comment, Chalmers repeated he is "really worried" about super in the hands of the Liberals, Nationals and One Nation.

"They do not support universal superannuation and its core protection," he said.

Bragg’s talk at the National Press Club last week gave Labor a chance to use the news story to rally supporters and raise money.

Hanson’s idea that people could dip into super when money is tight only strengthened Labor’s claim that opponents want to raid Australians’ retirement savings.

This month Labor’s ads focused on superannuation; last month they highlighted Hanson’s rude remarks about paid parental leave.

Even though those topics are powerful, One Nation has not accepted the attacks quietly.

After Labor asked for $27 in June to fight Hanson, One Nation launched its "Fire the Liar" campaign and raised over $4 million in five days.

The free media coverage that Hanson’s fundraising got was almost unheard of in Australian politics.

Even with that, Hanson’s poll numbers have either steadied or slipped a little after scrutiny of some policies.

But as Labor attacks one populist idea, another rises in its place.

Yesterday it was superannuation, today it is cutting tobacco tax to try to stop illegal cigarette sales.

Liberal Andrew Hastie has said he sees a lack of effort from his state colleagues. (ABC News: Matt Roberts)

A test around the corner

Many see the Victorian state election in November as the first real test between Labor and a popular One Nation, but another test comes sooner.

Next Saturday, voters in WA’s Secret Harbour seat will vote in a by‑election after the local Labor member retired.

The coastal towns south of Perth are the type of area where mortgage stress, fast population growth and voters open to alternatives could help One Nation win.

Liberal Andrew Hastie, whose federal seat of Canning overlaps Secret Harbour, thinks the same and criticises his state colleagues for not trying harder.

"We should always aim to win and show that ambition to our voters," he told the Australian Financial Review this week.

Labor now tries not just to attack One Nation, but to link Pauline Hanson and the Coalition together in voters’ minds as sharing the same agenda. (ABC News: Matt Roberts)

Hanson’s key advantage

Labor is at a very high point in WA but feels less sure about keeping Secret Harbour.

Labor’s recent shift is to present the by‑election as a lesson on how future preferences might move between Liberals and One Nation.

While not ruling out a win, Labor’s view that Secret Harbour could fall to One Nation raises the stakes for Hanson.

One Labor source told us Secret Harbour is "exactly the type of seat" One Nation could win.

"Where if not there?" they said.

That pressure may have helped Hanson strongly defend WA’s GST deal, a big change from her earlier criticism.

Hanson’s GST shift shows a key advantage she has over many other politicians.

She can drop a previous stance that no longer helps her without facing voter backlash.

Labor is becoming more careful about how it fights One Nation, choosing issues and linking Hanson to the Coalition more often.

But Hanson also adapts and has long been free to shape her message for each political moment.

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