BRISBANE, 16 February 2026 – Senator Pauline Hanson has declared her One Nation party the “true opposition” in Australian politics following a dramatic surge in national polling and a series of high-profile defections from the Coalition. As the Liberal Party adjusts to the leadership of Angus Taylor, who ousted Sussan Ley just days ago, Hanson has positioned her party as the primary alternative for conservative voters, particularly on the issues of immigration and energy policy.
One Nation Surges in Polls Amid Coalition Turmoil
Recent data from January and February 2026 indicates a historic shift in the Australian political landscape. Polling has shown One Nation’s primary vote reaching as high as 25% in some jurisdictions, fueled by the high-profile defection of former Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce to the party in December 2025. More recently, former Liberal Senator Cory Bernardi also joined the party, further bolstering its ranks with experienced conservative figures.
In Victoria, a DemosAU poll released this week shows One Nation polling at 21%, placing the party just two points behind Labor and within striking distance of the Coalition. Hanson has attributed this momentum to voter dissatisfaction with the major parties’ handling of the cost of living and housing shortages.
Policy Stance and Upcoming Elections
With the South Australian state election scheduled for next month, Hanson is using the platform to test the party’s “unity” message. Despite the departure of SA MP Sarah Game in mid-2025, the party remains focused on a hardline platform including:
- Immigration: A proposal to cut immigration by 570,000 people and withdraw Australia from the UN Refugee Convention.
- National Security: A renewed push to outlaw the burqa and other face coverings in public, a stance that led to Hanson’s temporary suspension from the Senate in late 2025 following a protest stunt.
- Energy: Opposition to renewable energy targets, a key factor cited by Barnaby Joyce upon joining the party.
Hanson has dismissed the recent Liberal leadership change, stating that Angus Taylor’s victory “changes nothing” regarding the Coalition’s ability to address core conservative concerns.
Pauline Hanson: Career Profile and Facts
Pauline Hanson remains one of Australia’s most enduring and controversial political figures. Since her maiden speech in 1996, she has consistently campaigned on a platform of right-wing populism and protectionism.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Pauline Lee Hanson |
| Date of Birth | 27 May 1954 |
| Place of Birth | Brisbane, Queensland |
| Party | Pauline Hanson’s One Nation (Founder) |
| Current Office | Senator for Queensland (since 2016) |
| Previous Office | Member for Oxley (1996–1998) |
| Key Ideologies | Right-wing populism, Nationalism, Protectionism |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pauline Hanson’s current role?
As of February 2026, Pauline Hanson serves as a Senator for Queensland and is the federal leader of One Nation. She has held her Senate seat continuously since 2016.
Why is One Nation’s polling increasing?
Analysts suggest the surge is due to a combination of internal Coalition instability, the high-profile recruitment of Barnaby Joyce and Cory Bernardi, and a voter focus on immigration and housing affordability, where Hanson maintains a distinct “Australia-first” policy.
What happened during the ‘burqa stunt’ in the Senate?
In November 2025, Senator Hanson entered the Senate chamber wearing a burqa as part of a campaign to ban the garment. The move was condemned by both Labor and the Coalition, resulting in her being suspended from the chamber for approximately 1.5 hours.
Who are the notable members of One Nation in 2026?
Beyond Pauline Hanson, the party’s most prominent figures now include former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce and former Liberal Senator Cory Bernardi, marking a significant shift in the party’s composition toward established political veterans.