Power Shift Brewing? Hanson Insists Labor Is ‘Starting to Panic’

‘Starting to Feel the Pinch’: Pauline Hanson Claims Labor Is ‘Getting Worried’ as Vote Surges

Is the political tide shifting — or is this just another fiery Canberra showdown?

In a heated exchange in the capital, One Nation leader Pauline Hanson declared that Labor is “starting to feel the pinch,” claiming her party’s rising support is rattling the establishment.

And the sparks didn’t stop there.

Funding Freeze Sparks Fresh Firestorm

The interview began with discussion over more than $600,000 in taxpayer funding reportedly directed toward a mosque that had commemorated former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

After backlash, the government announced it would freeze the funding — a move Hanson welcomed.

“Of course it is,” she said, arguing authorities must “come down hard” and ensure intervention where necessary.

The broader issue, she insisted, is what she describes as creeping radicalisation — something she claims Australia must confront before it’s “too late.”

Radicalisation Fears — And A Warning From Abroad

During the discussion, Hanson raised concerns about extremist ideology, arguing that Australia must avoid the path she believes countries like the United Kingdom have taken.

“All you have to do is look at England,” she said, warning against what she described as appeasement under multicultural policies.

She also questioned oversight of religious leadership and schooling, claiming Australians may not fully understand what is being taught or promoted behind closed doors.

Her critics, however, have long accused her of unfairly generalising about Muslim communities — a point the interviewer pushed back on, emphasizing the importance of hearing from Muslim leaders themselves in condemning extremism.

Senate Clash Turns Ugly

But the most explosive moment came when tensions flared in the Senate chamber during debate over a censure motion.

A confrontation between Hanson and Lidia Thorpe quickly escalated into accusations of offensive language and racism, leaving the chamber in uproar.

“Kids are watching this nonsense,” the host remarked, as both senators traded claims.

The clash has since reignited debate over civility in Parliament — and whether political discourse has reached a new low.

The Bigger Political Play?

Perhaps most striking was Hanson’s claim that One Nation is polling between 27–28% in some areas — support she says is no longer coming solely from Coalition voters.

“They thought I was only taking votes off the Coalition,” she said. “I’m not. We’re taking votes off Labor.”

If accurate, that shift could complicate preference deals in future elections — especially as Labor has repeatedly urged voters to place One Nation last.

Hanson countered by arguing that if Labor views her party as extreme, they should apply the same logic to the Australian Greens, whom she described as “terribly extreme to the left.”

Is Labor Really “Feeling the Pinch”?

That’s the question now hanging over Canberra.

Is One Nation genuinely expanding its base across the political spectrum?
Or is this high-decibel rhetoric masking a more complicated electoral reality?

One thing is certain — with funding controversies, accusations of extremism, and Senate showdowns dominating headlines, the political temperature is only rising.

And if the polls tighten?

This debate over preferences, power — and who represents mainstream Australia — may just be getting started.