There is no shortage of people in north Queensland who are ready to throw their support behind Pauline Hanson, who a Queensland political analyst has labelled “populist”.
But polling suggests it may be working.
James Cook University political analyst Maxine Newlands said One Nation was “definitely in the ascendancy”.
But she said people were willing to vote for One Nation and the minor parties because they were unhappy with the two major parties.
Queensland was where One Nation first broke through, winning 11 seats in the 1998 state election.
In the 2025 Hinchinbrook state by-election, just north of Townsville, One Nation’s vote nearly tripled, up 8.9 per cent to 13.5 per cent.
Senator Hanson continued to receive a warm welcome this week when she reunited with mining billionaire Gina Rinehart in Townsville.
Gina Rinehart and Pauline Hanson reunited at a speaking event in Townsville. (ABC News: Chloe Chomicki)
‘On the right track’
Among those happy to see the One Nation leader in town was resident Lauren Mylonas, who said she wanted Senator Hanson to stand up to the major parties.
Marcia Hogan (left) and Lauren Mylonas believe Pauline Hanson is on the right track. (ABC News: James Tugwell)
“She seems to be on the right track to get things going properly for Australia,” Ms Mylonas said.
“She can be over the top with some things. You can’t say a lot of the things she says are OK but the majority of it sounds like she knows what she’s talking about.”
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Her sister Marcia Hogan agreed.
“She’s very down to earth and I think she’ll do the country great,”
Ms Hogan said.
‘Very sensible politician’
William McGann compared Pauline Hanson to politicians from the UK. (ABC News: James Tugwell)
William McGann, who recently migrated to Townsville from the UK, said Senator Hanson was a breath of fresh air.
“From what I’ve seen on TV about Pauline Hanson, she’s a very sensible politician”, he said.
Mr McGann said Senator Hanson had a “common-sense attitude”.
“She doesn’t mess about. She knows what people want,” he said.
“She’s not interested in making people appreciate her just for the sake of it. She wants what’s right for the people.
“She’s a breath of fresh air because most politicians now, they just want to serve themselves. She seems to be serving the people.
“I hope she goes a long way.”
But others disagreed.
Populist and divisive
The ABC spoke with several small business owners in Townsville who said they were uncomfortable speaking on the topic publicly for fear of backlash.
Environmental scientist Jai Kaartinen-Price said most of his views were formed from what he had seen on social media.
Jai Kaartinen-Price does not want to see One Nation wielding any major political power. (ABC News: James Tugwell)
“I certainly wouldn’t like to see her get into power or have any major influence,”
Mr Kaartinen-Price said.
“From what I can gather, she’s not really likely to benefit people in my demographic, or the country.”
He said it was too easy to blame minority groups for issues, saying “most of the time, problems are complex and nuanced”.
“Her whole political strategy is divisive as far as I can tell. It seems to be in line with the populist politics that have been gaining popularity over the last … decade or so,” he said.
Challenging Crisafulli
Despite her gains in the Hinchinbrook by-election, Senator Hanson told the ABC it was too early to say if Queensland Premier David Crisafulli should be concerned about One Nation’s rise.
Pauline Hanson’s speech was warmly welcomed in Townsville. (ABC News: Chloe Chomicki)
“I don’t think he’s got anything to worry about at the moment. He’s got another two and a half years until the next election,” Senator Hanson said.
“But, come the next state election, I will be standing candidates in every state seat.“
She said the tide was turning and voters were making up their own minds and considering her policies.
“People in north Queensland feel forgotten in many areas,” she said.
“People are starting to say they want change and they don’t like the direction the country is going.
“People want to be heard.”
Gina Rinehart asked the crowd to make bulldozer sound effects. (ABC News: Chloe Chomicki)
Discontent with major parties
Senator Hanson addressed the National Press Club this week and released a 28-page manifesto.
Dr Newlands described the address as “very Trumpian”.
“Apparently, she’d been invited numerous times to talk at the Press Club but has always declined and has now decided to take it,” she said.
“It’s all part of this new shift, which is definitely leaning into populism and … not backing down from very strong policies around migration and other areas.”
