The federal opposition has labelled One Nation leader Pauline Hanson the “Vicky Pollard of the Senate” over the senator’s numerous changes in policy position on the government’s company tax cuts.
The Coalition needs One Nation’s votes in the Senate to pass the legislation, which is stuck in the Upper House. The government wants it passed by Thursday.
Senator Hanson has faced criticism over her changes in position on the draft laws over recent months.
The issue even caused a fracture in the party with the defection of Brian Burston, who supported the cuts, to Clive Palmer’s new political party.
After revoking support for the tax cuts last month, the One Nation leader is now insisting she would only back the cuts if the government supported stronger action on multinational tax avoidance.
On Tuesday, she took to the Senate to deny accusations she’d “flip-flopped” on the policy.
“I haven’t flip-flopped,” she said.
“I said no originally, then I said yes, then I have said no and I've stuck to it."
On Wednesday, she said she could support the plan if the government did more on new coal-fired power plants in North Queensland.
Labor Deputy Leader Tanya Plibersek jumped on the statement, saying it was difficult to keep track of Senator Hanson’s latest position on the company tax cuts.
She compared her to Vicky Pollard, a popular character in British comedy series Little Britain.
The Little Britain character Vicky Pollard. Source: Mary Evans Picture Library
“She is the Vicky Pollard of the Senate, ‘Yeah, but no, but yeah’,” Ms Plibersek told parliament, imitating the Vicky Pollard character, on Wednesday.
“In just the last few weeks, Senator Hanson has said no, then she said yes, then she said no, then she said maybe, and now I think we’re back on no again.
“You would think it would be much easier to come to a firm decision when you’ve only got a caucus of two.”
Earlier on Wednesday, Senator Hanson defended her stance, saying it was her choice to change her mind as many times as she wanted to.
“I can imagine down in the chamber [people are thinking] 'she is flip-flopping',” Senator Hanson told the Today Show.
“That is my prerogative and I will change my mind as many times as I want to ensure that I come up with the right decision.”
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