Liberal shadow minister Andrew Hastie has accused One Nation leader Pauline Hanson of prioritising Donald Trump's 'Make America Great Again' ideology over Australian interests, escalating tensions between the two conservative parties. In comments to Nine newspapers, Hastie criticised Hanson for not speaking out against the economic consequences of the US war on Iran, which he said were hurting Australians.
Hastie stated: 'Our first loyalty must be to the Australian people. Not to international institutions, not to ideology like Maga – but to the Australian people, first and foremost.' He added that the United States is a close ally but Australia should be frank with its friends, noting that President Trump's war in Iran 'hasn't gone to plan'.
Hanson has previously expressed strong support for Trump, attending events at his Mar-a-Lago resort with mining magnate Gina Rinehart and celebrating his 2016 election win. The exchange comes as new polling shows One Nation's popularity surging, with voters appearing to abandon major parties.
In other political news, former prime minister Julia Gillard commented on controversial billboards targeting Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan with the phrase 'Ditch the Witch', which were funded by a Melbourne brothel owner. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the billboards, while Nationals leader Matt Canavan said he would not advertise in that way but suggested Labor criticism was a ploy to protect Allan's government.
Meanwhile, Clive Palmer distanced himself from Hanson's support for former soldier Ben Roberts-Smith, who faces war crimes charges. Palmer said the matter should be left to the courts, emphasising the importance of a fair hearing and presumption of innocence.
