One Nation Leader Pauline Hanson told a community forum in Perth “politicians and bureaucrats” have driven Australia “into the ground”, as she condemned Labor’s federal budget.
“This government has brought in the worst budget we have ever seen,” Hanson said to general applause.
“This is about socialism. This is about communism, and dividing the wealthy from those who are not wealthy,”
“If you want to work hard to get ahead in life, save your money or invest it, [Labor] want to take it, putting their hand into your pocket. That is not the Australia I grew up in.”
Speaking at a sold-out $70-per head event as a One Nation fundraising page tipped over $1.4m in donations, Hanson told the crowd they had been underestimated by the major parties.
“We have a fantastic county that has been driven into the ground by politicians and bureaucrats that have disregarded you, the people,” she said.
“I can provide the vehicle… but it’s you, the people, who will drive change. They can’t stop you. We have a democracy here, and it clearly now shows people want One Nation. They want what we’re offering.”
Asking the crowd “what am I offering?” some shouted back “freedom” and “democracy.”
“It’s freedom and freedom of speech, it’s the right to own your own home, to live in peace and security, the right to work and get a fair days’ pay for a fair days’ work, and not be pulled down and taxed to the hilt.”
Hanson says she will target Labor seats, not Coalition seats at the next federal election and nominated a list of seats in her sight.
They included Chris Bowen’s seat of McMahon, Tony Burke’s seat of Watson, Andrew Giles’ seat of Scullin, Clare O’Neil’s seat of Hotham and Madeleine King’s seat of Brand.
Reflecting on her time in prison for electoral fraud in 2003, Hanson told the crowd “You were the people who kept me going”.
“You never walked away from me, and I will never walk away from you.”
