Overview
- The controversy began when footage of Pauline Hanson’s February remarks about Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s late mother resurfaced, and over the weekend prompted widespread media and parliamentary criticism.
- Anthony Albanese publicly defended his mother and declared himself "proud to be a houso," while ministers from both major parties called the comments off‑limits and demanded an apology.
- Hanson has refused to withdraw the remarks and some allies, including Barnaby Joyce, have defended her, deepening a split between One Nation and other conservatives.
- A separate feud intensified after One Nation posted a cartoon labelling Liberal MP Andrew Hastie a "traitor" for his testimony in the Ben Roberts‑Smith proceedings, and Hastie vowed to continue pressing the issue.
- One Nation formally unveiled a 'net‑negative' migration plan to cut roughly 750,000 temporary visas over three years, a move that economists, industry groups and ministers warn could worsen labour shortages and disrupt key sectors.