MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 30: Senator Pauline Hanson speaks at a Put Australia First Rally on November 30, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. At least 2,000 people are expected to gather in the Melbourne CBD for the anti-immigration rallies and counter-protests.(Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)
Pauline Hanson, leader of the One Nation party, has voiced significant concerns regarding the Labor Party’s proposed omnibus hate speech laws. During an interview on 6PR Perth Live, she claimed that these new laws could potentially lead to individuals facing jail time for expressing national pride, specifically stating, “If I say ‘My politics are I don’t want people coming from certain countries because they won’t assimilate’ … I could be then prosecuted under this because I’m targeting certain groups of people.”
Hanson expressed apprehension that the laws could stifle free expression, stating, “We have enough laws in place; they’re not utilising laws that we have.” She worries that the extension of these laws might create an environment where people feel unable to voice their opinions.
In addition to her comments on the hate speech legislation, Hanson defended her recent decision to use a private jet owned by businesswoman Gina Rinehart for a trip to Queensland, an area recently affected by floods. She emphasized that the offer was made at no cost to taxpayers, saying, “She actually gave us the offer, no cost to the taxpayer, alright, so we went up there … we haven’t even heard from the Prime Minister.”
The proposed changes to hate speech laws have sparked a heated debate in Australia, with various stakeholders weighing in on the implications for freedom of speech and public discourse. As the discussion continues, Hanson’s remarks highlight the tension between legislative intentions and individual rights.
For further insights, listeners can tune in to the full interview available through the 6PR app on both iOS and Android platforms.
