Hanson says elite criticism is fuelling One Nation surge

Pauline Hanson says the louder political and media elites complain about her, the stronger One Nation's support becomes — and the numbers appear to be backing her up.

Speaking on 4BC Brisbane, the Queensland senator reflected on what she described as a fundamental shift in the Australian political mood, one driven not by party loyalty but by deep frustration with the status quo.

"People see me. I'm just an ordinary person. I'm trying to do my best. I'm standing up and fighting for the country," Hanson said. "I'm bringing up issues that no one else wants to talk about, as if there's no issue there, no problems."

Political commentator Gary Hardgrave, a former Howard government minister, suggested One Nation is attracting voters who are, in his words, "flipping the bird at established politics." He argued that every media criticism of Hanson or her senators only deepens that loyalty among everyday Australians who have grown to distrust mainstream institutions.

"The more you complain about Pauline, the more I think her polling is going to go up," Hardgrave said.

Hanson returned from a European tour to find headlines dominated not by international affairs but by a viral clip of Barnaby Joyce telling a dog to sit during a television interview. She laughed off suggestions the moment reflected any tension between herself and the Nationals senator.

"I have a fantastic working relationship with Barnaby. There is no problems, no issues, nothing whatsoever. They're making a mountain out of a molehill," she said.

The senator pointed to cost-of-living pressures as the real issue preoccupying ordinary Australians — people losing their homes, young people unable to find work, and families living in their cars — and said media focus on political sideshows was insulting to those struggling.

Hanson cited a recent speaking engagement in Perth as evidence of her growing reach. She said nearly 900 people paid $180 per ticket to attend, claiming the turnout exceeded that of a recent prime ministerial event in the same city.

"This is what Australians want. They're looking for change. They want someone who's prepared to speak up and not just give us this twisted spin on everything all the time," she said.

The senator also defended mining billionaire Gina Rinehart, pushing back against what she called jealousy-driven criticism of Australia's wealthiest person. Hanson highlighted Rinehart's philanthropic work supporting Olympic swimmers, the Royal Flying Doctors Service, and the farming sector, as well as her company's contribution as one of the nation's largest tax payers.

"She's very passionate about the country. We think so much alike in what needs to be done," Hanson said. "People through pure jealousy want to have a go at her, and it makes me so mad."

Hardgrave acknowledged Rinehart's behind-the-scenes contributions, noting her long record of private funding for athletes and rural services, even as public debate about her influence on Australian politics continues.