CANBERRA — Australian right-wing political leader Pauline Hanson declared that multiculturalism had failed and called for a “monocultural” society during a speech at the National Press Club on Wednesday, placing immigration and national identity at the center of her policy agenda as her One Nation party seeks to expand its support.
Hanson, who leads the populist One Nation party, told the audience that Australia was facing social and economic pressures that she linked to immigration policy. “At the center of this crisis is the utterly flawed policy of multiculturalism,” Hanson said. “We are a multiracial society, but we must be monocultural.”
The speech marked Hanson’s first formal address to the National Press Club in a political career spanning about three decades. In her remarks, she advocated reducing migration levels and argued that newcomers should adopt a shared national culture. She also criticized what she described as divisions created by multicultural policies and renewed longstanding concerns about radical Islamist extremism.
Hanson’s comments came as One Nation has recorded stronger polling results than in previous years, benefiting from voter concerns over housing affordability, living costs and immigration, according to recent reporting and opinion surveys. Despite those gains, the party remains a minor force in the federal parliament, holding limited representation in both houses.
Outside the press club event, protesters challenged Hanson’s views, while some supporters welcomed her focus on immigration and national identity. Reports said a protest banner criticizing Hanson’s position on wages was displayed during the event.
Australia has maintained an official policy of multiculturalism for decades, reflecting successive governments’ efforts to integrate migrants from diverse backgrounds while promoting social cohesion. Political leaders from the governing Labor Party have previously defended multiculturalism as a central element of modern Australian society.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his government have argued that migration contributes to economic growth and have rejected calls to abandon multicultural policies, according to previous public statements.
During the question-and-answer session, Hanson also defended broader One Nation policies on immigration and public institutions. Details of any legislative proposals arising from the speech remain unclear.
As of Wednesday evening, government officials had not announced any policy changes in response to Hanson’s remarks, while debate over immigration and multiculturalism continued among political parties and advocacy groups.
