Pauline Hanson has praised United States President Donald Trump and labelled Australia an "economic and social tinderbox" in a surprise speech to American conservatives in Florida.
Hanson delivered the speech, which included many right-wing talking points, during the Conservative Politician Action Conference (CPAC) at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort on Wednesday night (local time).
The speech comes as polling suggests support for One Nation has surged at the Coalition's expense, amid tensions between the Liberal and National parties over net-zero targets, while Opposition Leader Sussan Ley's approval rating remains low.
Hanson has missed a fortnight of parliamentary sittings to attend CPAC. Pictures shared on social media showed her sitting next to mining magnate Gina Rinehart at one of the events, hosted by US secretary of homeland security Kristi Noem and Louisiana governor Jeff Landry. She also attended Trump's Halloween party over the weekend.
Source: SBS News
"It's wonderful to be in America with a re-energised, strong, and patriotic leader who has the best interest of his people at heart," Hanson said at the outset of her speech, according to a copy seen by SBS News.
She highlights border security, migrant deportations, attempts to disrupt fentanyl trafficking, US tariffs on other countries and "restored peace in the Middle East", as key achievements of the Trump administration.
In contrast, she said Australia has become "an economic and social tinderbox" as she broadcast her right-wing agenda to US conservatives.
What does One Nation stand for?
Hanson — a politician of 30 years — is widely known for her views on cutting migration and amplified that message in the US.
"Under Labor's weak governance, Australia is being flooded with up to 740,000 migrants a year," she claimed.
Experts have hosed down claims of so-called mass migration in recent weeks. Recent Australian Bureau of Statistics shows net overseas migration of 446,000 people in the 12 months to 30 June 2024.
Hanson said she blames the government, not migrants, before listing a series of issues — from inflation to national debt — as having been impacted by "high migration numbers"
She labelled climate change "this century's greatest hoax", as she urged Australia to walk away from the Paris Agreement and ditch the net-zero by 2050 target.
She argues that the pursuit to protect the environment and push for renewables is "destroying a standard of living".
Hanson said One Nation backs the AUKUS security partnership and supports increasing Australia's defence spending to 5 per cent.
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson was first elected to parliament in 1996 and has always been a strong advocate for lowering migration. Credit: @PaulineHansonOz
"Americans have a right to be frustrated when they're constantly forced to play big brother to nations who haven't invested in their own defence capabilities," she said.
The wide-ranging speech also rejected gender-affirming healthcare, while preaching "equality for all Australians".
Hanson finished her speech, outlining the growth in support, stating she wants to see Australia return to a "fair go".
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