One Nation Support Collapses

Summary

Friendlyjordies presenter Jordan Shanks argues that Pauline Hanson and One Nation have lost support after Hanson’s press-club appearance exposed what he sees as weaknesses in her policy knowledge, particularly on paid parental leave, the meaning of “monoculture” and the cost of living. He says the media focused on her awkward answers, but contends that her voting record is the more important issue.

Shanks’ central claim is that One Nation’s appeals to workers and small businesses conflict with its record. He cites votes against measures involving minimum wages, equal pay, protections for temporary and gig workers, wage-theft penalties, workplace safety and paid parental leave. He argues that One Nation’s calls for a broad overhaul of industrial relations would weaken worker protections, which he says are aimed mainly at large employers rather than small businesses.

He also challenges Hanson’s presentation of herself as a champion of small business. Shanks argues that Labor governments have helped small businesses grow through economic reforms, access to finance, tax measures, energy discounts and efforts to simplify regulations. He defends unfair-dismissal rules, saying they can encourage employers to train and retain workers rather than dismiss them too quickly, benefiting productivity over time.

On the cost of living, Shanks criticizes Hanson’s claims about government spending and renewable energy. He disputes her account of public debt and argues that investment in renewables can lower energy costs and support economic activity. He portrays One Nation’s opposition to renewable energy and worker protections as aligned with the interests of major business figures such as Gina Rinehart. These are Shanks’ political arguments and interpretations, rather than neutral reporting.

The video also criticizes the Teal independents’ new party, referred to in the subtitles as “Strong Community.” Shanks argues that its “community” branding masks a coordinated, well-funded political operation backed by wealthy donors, and that its members often vote together despite presenting themselves as independent. He criticizes their positions on labor and donation-reform legislation and compares their political identity to a rebranding of liberal politics.

Overall, the video presents One Nation’s polling decline as a consequence of its record on workers’ rights and its inability, in Shanks’ view, to offer credible answers on economic issues. It also broadens the criticism to the Teals, whom he sees as another group using appealing branding to obscure whose interests their policies serve.

Presenters and contributors

• Presenter/commentator: Jordan Shanks (Friendlyjordies)
• People featured or heard in clips: Pauline Hanson, Mark Riley, Matt Canavan, Cheryl, Allegra Spender and Zali Steggall.