As Trump-adjacent populism surges in Australia, Pauline Hanson cashes in – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: upload.wikimedia.org)
Sydney – Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party has captured national attention with a sharp rise in polls and electoral wins, drawing big donations from business leaders disillusioned by the conservative coalition’s struggles. The right-wing populist group now ranks second in national surveys, surpassing the Liberal-National bloc that endured its worst defeat in May 2025.[1] Wealthy backers see in Hanson a force to challenge red tape and immigration policies, echoing trends tied to U.S. President Donald Trump. This momentum positions One Nation for potential gains in upcoming votes.
State Election Breakthrough Signals National Shift
In South Australia’s March 21 election, One Nation secured over 20 percent of the vote, its strongest showing outside Queensland. The party claimed seven seats – four in the lower house and three in the upper – primarily at the expense of the Liberals.[2][3] Party leader Pauline Hanson called the result a surprise even to her, noting that few expected such a haul.
Hanson flew in for the new MPs’ swearing-in but pledged a hands-off role, affirming state leader Cory Bernardi’s command. She emphasized performance as key to future growth, vowing support for legislation benefiting locals. Analysts view the outcome as ominous for major parties, reflecting voter anger over housing shortages and living costs.[2]
Business Leaders Redirect Millions to One Nation
Mining magnate Gina Rinehart has led the charge, gifting a Cirrus G7 plane valued at A$1.5 million and flying Hanson and allies on about 20 private jet trips, including to Florida. Two of her company employees each donated A$500,000, shattering prior records. Rinehart hosted A$15,000-a-seat dinners to woo Liberal donors.[1]
Sydney stockbroker Angus Aitken switched A$1.1 million to One Nation after giving A$230,000 to the Liberals. He predicted a business groundswell, saying people are “sick of all the red tape and shit across their individual segments of business” and view Hanson as the solution.[1] Donor Doug Tynan contributed A$100,000 post-Bondi attack, citing flag-burning concerns. These shifts stem from coalition infighting and policy rifts.
The biggest change I reckon you’ll see in the next 12 to 18 months is the groundswell of business and wealthy people supporting One Nation who have been frustrated with the Coalition.
– Angus Aitken, donor[1]
Trump-Style Policies Resonate Amid Voter Frustrations
One Nation, founded by Hanson in 1997 as an anti-immigration voice, has emulated Trump’s post-2024 playbook: mass deportations for visa overstayers and deregulation. Donors like Aitken and Tynan met Trump at Mar-a-Lago fundraisers arranged via Rinehart’s network. The December 2025 Bondi shooting, where Islamist gunmen killed 15 at a Jewish event, amplified calls to tighten borders.[1]
Polling reflects broad discontent, with One Nation appealing to those feeling the social contract has broken – hard work no longer guarantees stability. Support crosses lines, including some ex-Labor voters, driven by housing and cost pressures rather than ideology alone.[4] Hanson’s outsider image, from fish-and-chip shop owner to senator, bolsters her draw.
By-Elections and Polls Point to Bigger Gains
One Nation eyes its first federal lower house seat in the Farrer by-election this Saturday, potentially off the Liberals. National polls place it ahead of the coalition since early 2026, with Hanson’s approval topping Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s and opposition leader Angus Taylor’s.[1] Experts cite coalition chaos, economic woes, and media shifts as boosters.
While unlikely to form government by the 2028 federal poll, the party could double its Senate seats to eight, wielding more leverage. Rinehart’s team decries green energy spending and migrant strains on services. As donors hedge bets, One Nation’s rise tests Australia’s two-party dominance.
This donor influx and poll strength mark One Nation’s evolution from fringe player to contender, forcing majors to confront populist undercurrents.
