One Nation Leader Calls for End to Multiculturalism in National Press Club Address

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson called for an end to multiculturalism during an address at the National Press Club. She described the policy as "utterly flawed" and said Australia should become a monoculture while remaining multiracial. The speech was interrupted when a banner installed by GetUp descended behind Hanson.

The banner displayed her photo and accused her of accepting a pay rise while opposing wage increases for workers. Press Club staff removed the banner and referred the incident to the Australian Federal Police.

Hanson linked high post-pandemic migration levels to housing pressures and cultural tensions. She accused the government of overseeing an "immigration catastrophe" and said western values were under siege. She pledged to eradicate "radical Islam" from Australia and criticized other countries for failing to address extremism.

Hanson also proposed ending funding for the SBS and converting the ABC into a subscription service in cities.

Hanson defended her record on workplace issues and called for changes to industrial relations laws that would give businesses more flexibility to dismiss workers. She said businesses needed greater rights to remove underperforming staff. The senator attacked transgender ideology as a "militant force" and promised to dismiss Australia's sex discrimination commissioner.

On abortion, she said she opposed procedures performed the day before birth but would support them if the mother's life was in danger.

Albanese said One Nation stood to divide Australia rather than unite it. He noted the party's opposition to wage increases and other measures for working people. Opposition Leader Angus Taylor said One Nation had yet to provide a credible plan for the country.