Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has dismissed One Nation's warning that his western Sydney seat of Watson is under threat, accusing party leader Pauline Hanson of harbouring disdain for the area. Hanson listed Watson among several Labor-held seats targeted for the next federal election.
Watson, one of Australia's most multicultural electorates, includes Lakemba, a significant hub for Australian Muslims. Hanson earlier this year claimed people 'feel unwanted' in Lakemba, drawing condemnation and invitations to visit the suburb.
Asked on Thursday about Hanson's threat, Burke said: 'She hates my part of Sydney, and she said so. People shouldn't pretend to be patriotic if they hate modern Australia. I love Australia for who we are, not for some fake idea of the nation that we've never been.' He added that One Nation always contests the seat and is welcome to do so, but urged against demeaning fellow Australians.
At the 2025 federal election, One Nation polled 3.2% in Watson, down 2% from the previous ballot. Burke's comments came as part of a broader political day, which also saw Prime Minister Anthony Albanese cast doubt on One Nation's claimed donations boom and shadow ministers rule out seat deals with the party.
