One Nation has not changed; rather, the times have swung in the party’s favour. By Chris Kenny in The Australian.
Hanson is being mobbed in the streets.
I saw it with my own eyes this week, joining her and One Nation state leader Cory Bernardi for a street walk in Adelaide’s Rundle Mall, a CBD location far removed from One Nation’s heartland. Aside from a group of SA Socialists protesters who materialised at the end and one student egged on by friends to timidly tackle Hanson on immigration issues, every person who approached Hanson was friendly and encouraging.
Many lined up for photographs with Hanson and Bernardi, and many said they had voted for One Nation already (pre-poll booths have been open all week) or were intending to do so on Saturday. People of all ages and ethnic backgrounds characterised Hanson and Bernardi as patriots, fighting for mainstream voters.
Now, I have covered campaigning as a reporter for four decades and have been involved from the inside, state and federal, through the years, and this reaction is out of the ordinary. This is a legitimate political phenomenon — a shift is afoot in our political landscape. …
It’s not personalities, so it’s policies — stop mass immigration, end net zero, and, above all, lower the cost of housing.
Asked why he was voting One Nation, a security guard sporting an Australian flag on his vest said, “How they’re standing up for Australia and Australian values.” He urged Hanson and Bernardi to “keep up the good fight” after noting “all the grief” they copped. …
Bernardi basks in the same glory. At a suburban shopping centre recently, security objected to the One Nation candidate mingling with shoppers and called the police. Two officers turned up, confirmed Bernardi was quite within his rights, then requested a photo with him. …
The reaction is more substantial than mere fame. Hanson is seen by many as a warrior and people’s advocate — a saviour. The issues favour her. Record immigration has fuelled a housing crisis and cost-of-living pressures have been driven by escalating electricity prices thanks to governments pursuing UN-inspired net-zero goals.
Hanson has been consistent on these issues for three decades, demanding lower and more selective immigration, and shunning net zero in favour of energy affordability. One Nation has not changed; rather, the times have swung in the party’s favour.
Hanson has never faltered. In the face of aggressive protests, virulent criticism and even jail time on electoral fraud charges (eventually overturned), this one-person political juggernaut has powered on. …
“Trust,” said Hanson, “people trust me because they know I have never lied to them about what I believe, I stick by it.”
It is a powerful point. In the face of changeable major party politics, shaped more by focus groups than firm policy convictions, Hanson stands apart as the ultimate conviction politician. Love or hate her, we all know where she stands. And that she does not back down.
South Australian state election today. Labor will win, but which party will come second?