Introduction
Pauline Hanson's One Nation (PHON), commonly referred to simply as One Nation (ON), is a political party that has played a recurring, if turbulent, role in Australian federal and state politics since the late 1990s. Founded by Pauline Hanson in 1997 after her disendorsement by the Liberal Party, the party has oscillated between periods of electoral prominence and relative obscurity, while maintaining a consistent ideological profile that is broadly described as right‑wing to far‑right. Over its two‑decade history, One Nation has repeatedly challenged the political status quo on issues ranging from immigration and multiculturalism to economic nationalism, climate policy, and Australia’s engagement with international institutions.
1. Origins and Early Years (1997–2000)
1.1 Founding by Pauline Hanson
Pauline Hanson, a former member of the Liberal Party, founded One Nation in 1997 after her disendorsement. The party was created as a vehicle for Hanson’s own political ambitions and as a platform to express her opposition to multiculturalism and government welfare policies targeting Indigenous Australians. The founding date—1997—is the earliest point of reference for the party’s existence.
1.2 Initial Electoral Success
The party’s inaugural electoral campaign was remarkably successful. In the 1998 Queensland state election, One Nation polled second, capturing a significant share of the vote and securing a foothold in Queensland politics. At the 1998 federal election, the party achieved the third-highest vote count in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, although it won only a single Senate seat. These early achievements established One Nation as a serious, if unconventional, political force.
2. Period of Decline and Fragmentation (2001–2015)
2.1 Electoral Decline
Following the initial surge, One Nation entered a phase of electoral decline. The party’s share of the vote fell in subsequent elections, and it struggled to translate its early momentum into sustained parliamentary representation. This period was marked by a lack of significant electoral breakthroughs.
2.2 Party Splits
During the decline, the party experienced several splits, reflecting internal disagreements over strategy and policy. These factions weakened the party’s cohesion and further diminished its electoral appeal. Despite these challenges, One Nation retained representation in the Parliament of Queensland until 2009.
3. Resurgence and Federal Representation (2016–2025)
3.1 Return of Pauline Hanson
Pauline Hanson’s return as leader marked a turning point. Under her leadership, the party regained parliamentary presence at the federal level. In the 2016 federal election, One Nation won four seats and successfully maintained representation in the subsequent three federal elections, even as several high‑profile defections occurred.
3.2 2025 Federal Election and Rising Popularity
The 2025 federal election saw a notable increase in One Nation’s popularity. The party’s profile rose significantly, positioning it as a competitive force on the political right. This surge was attributed to a combination of strategic campaigning and shifts in voter sentiment.
3.3 Barnaby Joyce’s Defection
In December 2025, Barnaby Joyce—a prominent figure who had previously served as Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of the Nationals—defected from the Nationals to join One Nation. This high‑profile move underscored the party’s growing influence and appeal to politicians disenchanted with the Coalition’s leadership dynamics.
3.4 Financial Backing from Gina Rinehart
Following Joyce’s defection, Gina Rinehart, Australia’s richest person, began providing financial support to One Nation. Her funding has been instrumental in bolstering the party’s campaign resources and expanding its operational reach.
4. Policy Positions
One Nation’s policy stances are heavily influenced by Pauline Hanson’s ideological framework, often referred to as “Hansonism.” The party’s platform can be categorized into several key areas:
4.1 Immigration and Multiculturalism
From its inception, One Nation has opposed multiculturalism, with a particular focus on criticism of Asian immigration. The party’s opposition to multiculturalism has been a hallmark of its platform and has shaped its electoral messaging.
4.2 Indigenous Welfare Policies
The party has consistently criticized government welfare policies relating to Indigenous Australians, arguing that such measures are ineffective and paternalistic.
4.3 Islam
The policy scope later expanded to include criticism of Islam, reflecting a broader anti‑multicultural stance.
4.4 Economic Nationalism and Protectionism
One Nation’s economic policies are characterized by economic nationalism and protectionism. The party opposes foreign ownership of land and promotes economic rationalism aimed at safeguarding domestic industries.
4.5 Climate Change and Renewable Energy
The party is opposed to climate change action and the expansion of renewable energy. This position has become more pronounced following the election of Malcolm Roberts, a senator known for his climate change denial, to the Senate.
4.6 Foreign Policy and Globalization
One Nation adopts anti‑globalist positions, supporting Australia’s withdrawal from international institutions and agreements. The party’s foreign policy stance is rooted in a desire to reduce perceived external influence on domestic affairs.
5. Public Perception and Polling
5.1 Polling Trends
By February 2026, several nationwide opinion polls placed One Nation ahead of the Coalition as the highest‑polling party on the political right. These polls indicate a growing resonance with voters dissatisfied with the traditional major parties.
5.2 Media Coverage
The party’s media presence has fluctuated over time, with significant coverage during election periods and major political events. Notable coverage includes the 2025 election surge, Barnaby Joyce’s defection, and Gina Rinehart’s financial support.
6. Impact on Australian Politics
One Nation’s fluctuating fortunes have had a measurable influence on Australian politics:
- Policy Debate: The party’s positions on immigration, Indigenous welfare, and climate policy have forced mainstream parties to address these issues more explicitly.
- Coalition Dynamics: Barnaby Joyce’s defection highlighted internal tensions within the Coalition and the Nationals, prompting leadership challenges and strategic realignments.
- Electoral Competition: The rise of One Nation has introduced a new competitive dynamic on the political right, compelling the Coalition and other parties to recalibrate their platforms to retain voter share.
7. Criticisms and Controversies
One Nation has been subject to criticism on multiple fronts:
- Accusations of Xenophobia: The party’s anti‑multiculturalist rhetoric has been labeled xenophobic by critics.
- Economic Protectionism: Opponents argue that the party’s protectionist policies could harm Australia’s trade relationships and economic growth.
- Climate Denial: The party’s opposition to climate action has been condemned by environmental groups and scientists.
- Internal Disunity: The history of party splits and defections has raised concerns about the party’s internal stability.
8. Conclusion
Pauline Hanson's One Nation remains a significant, if polarizing, force in Australian politics. Its ideological consistency, combined with strategic leadership changes and high‑profile defections, has allowed the party to oscillate between marginality and prominence. As of 2026, the party’s rising polling numbers suggest that its message continues to resonate with a segment of the electorate that feels underserved by the traditional major parties. Whether One Nation will sustain its momentum, expand its influence, or ultimately fade into the political periphery remains to be seen.
FAQ
What is the founding year of One Nation? One Nation was founded in 1997 by Pauline Hanson after her disendorsement from the Liberal Party.
How many seats did One Nation win in the 2016 federal election? The party won four seats in the 2016 federal election.
Who joined One Nation in December 2025, and why was it significant? Barnaby Joyce, a former Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of the Nationals, defected to One Nation, signaling a shift in political alliances and enhancing the party’s profile.
What are the core policy themes of One Nation? Key themes include opposition to multiculturalism, criticism of Indigenous welfare policies, anti‑Islam rhetoric, economic nationalism and protectionism, opposition to climate change action, and anti‑globalist foreign policy stances.
Has One Nation received financial support from prominent figures? Yes, Australia’s richest person, Gina Rinehart, has provided funding to the party since Barnaby Joyce’s defection in December 2025.