CANBERRA, 13 February 2026 – Senator Pauline Hanson and her One Nation party are experiencing a significant resurgence in Australian political discourse this week, as fresh polling suggests the party is capitalising on leadership instability within the Coalition. Following the ousting of Sussan Ley by Angus Taylor as Liberal Party leader yesterday, Hanson has positioned her party as the primary alternative for disaffected conservative voters.
Recent Political Developments
As of 13 February 2026, One Nation has seen a notable spike in public support. Recent Newspoll data indicates the party has surged to a position just two points behind the Labor Party in primary vote intentions. This momentum comes as the Liberal-National Coalition emerges from a damaging 17-day split, which Hanson described four days ago as an “absolute mess” and a “policy shambles.”
The party is currently preparing for a major electoral test in the upcoming South Australian elections next month. Political analysts suggest this will be a critical indicator of whether the party’s current polling momentum can translate into legislative seats. In a strategic move, Hanson also recently announced that One Nation intends to contest the seat of former Liberal leader Sussan Ley.
Senate Return and Recent Controversies
Senator Hanson returned to the Senate floor last week following a suspension related to a controversial incident in late 2025. Upon her return, she reiterated her party’s core platforms, focusing heavily on immigration levels and national identity. This follows a series of high-profile parliamentary actions over the past year, including:
- Burqa Protest: A repeat of her 2017 stunt where she wore a burqa into the Senate chamber, leading to a formal suspension and widespread condemnation from both major parties.
- Acknowledgement of Country: In July 2025, One Nation senators drew criticism for turning their backs during the Acknowledgement of Country at the opening of Federal Parliament.
- Party Expansion: In December 2025, former National Party figure Barnaby Joyce formally joined One Nation, citing shared concerns over renewable energy and immigration policy.
Biographical Profile and Facts
Pauline Hanson remains one of Australia’s most polarising and enduring political figures. Since her maiden speech in 1996, she has maintained a consistent platform of right-wing populism and protectionism.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Pauline Lee Hanson (née Seccombe) |
| Date of Birth | 27 May 1954 |
| Place of Birth | Brisbane, Queensland, Australia |
| Political Party | Pauline Hanson’s One Nation (Founder & Leader) |
| Current Office | Senator for Queensland (since 2016) |
| Previous Office | Member for Oxley (1996–1998) |
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 Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party.
Why was Pauline Hanson recently suspended from the Senate?
Hanson was suspended following a “burqa stunt” in late 2025, where she wore the religious garment into the Senate chamber as a political prop to advocate for a ban. She returned to the Senate floor in early February 2026.
How is One Nation performing in the polls?
Recent polling as of February 2026 shows a significant surge for One Nation, with some reports placing them within two percentage points of the Labor Party’s primary vote, largely due to voter dissatisfaction with the major parties.
Who are the notable members of One Nation?
In addition to Pauline Hanson, the party recently welcomed former Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce, who joined the party in December 2025 after leaving the National Party.