Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has drawn criticism after telling Labor supporters they “owe it to history” to defeat One Nation, after Pauline Hanson’s party secured a significant electoral victory in Labor’s Western Australia heartland.
Speaking at Queensland Labor’s state conference on Sunday, Albanese described the international rise of right-wing populism as “dangerous, divisive and downright dishonest” and accused One Nation of bending facts, spreading misinformation and turning “Australian against Australian”. “We simply must defeat them. We owe it to history. And we will defeat them,” he said.
The comments followed One Nation’s victory over Labor in the Secret Harbour by-election, a result that increased scrutiny of the minor party’s growing support. Albanese’s speech prompted criticism online, with one commenter arguing that “the rise of One Nation is because of Labor”, while others said the government should focus on understanding why voters were shifting their support rather than attacking the party attracting them. Another response mocked Labor’s record on political promises: “Here comes all the promises again, my word is my bond.”
Albanese had also faced criticism during the Secret Harbour campaign for not visiting the electorate, despite being in Western Australia.
WA Liberal leader Basil Zempilas responded with a “Where’s Albo?” campaign stunt modelled on Where’s Wally? Albanese defended his absence by saying he did not campaign in state by-elections and accused the Liberals of promoting One Nation. The Secret Harbour result and subsequent reaction to his speech have nevertheless intensified debate over how Labor should respond to One Nation’s increasing electoral support.
One Nation has won the Secret Harbour state by-election in Perth’s south. Gym owner Luke Herdegen will represent the party in Western Australia’s lower house, winning the seat which was previously held by Labor on an 11.5 per cent margin. pic.twitter.com/g2VApniJko
— casey briggs (@CaseyBriggs) August 29, 2026
The Australian people want hope, and they want someone who will fight for them.
I give you my oath, I am trying to get the right people on the floor of parliament to take back this country.
Tonight One Nation and Secret Harbour are sending a message to Anthony Albanese.… pic.twitter.com/zBRPzYVXOk
— Pauline Hanson 🇦🇺 (@PaulineHansonOz) August 29, 2026
“I am trying to get the right people on the floor of parliament to take back this country” said Ms Hanson. (trust me bro)
How about the people of Australia select the ‘right people’ from their own communities to represent them instead, Ms Hanson.