Pauline Hanson Lamenta White Australia Policy End in New Intervie 2026

Pauline Hanson has used an interview with the far-right British activist Tommy Robinson to lament the end of the White Australia policy, blaming it for creating migration problems and touting her daughter as the future of One Nation. The One Nation leader, visiting the UK for conferences and a holiday with billionaire benefactor Gina Rinehart, appeared on Robinson's podcast on Friday.

Hanson repeated unsubstantiated claims about sharia law and accused Muslim communities, without evidence, of rorting the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). She stated, “A lot of them are ripping the system off who are a lot from the Muslim areas”, though she added that other Australians also abuse the system. Health Minister Mark Butler rejected these claims, noting he had not received any data from Hanson.

Background on the White Australia Policy

The White Australia policy was a set of laws that favored European immigration and restricted non-white migrants from the early 20th century until the 1970s. The Holt government began dismantling it, and Prime Minister Gough Whitlam removed the final vestiges. Hanson blamed the Whitlam government for changing Australia's immigration mix.

Tommy Robinson Controversy

Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has multiple criminal convictions and has been disowned by mainstream right-wing figures like Nigel Farage. Hanson’s decision to appear on his podcast has drawn criticism from across the political spectrum.

Key Takeaways

• Hanson’s interview with Tommy Robinson repeats unsubstantiated claims about Muslim communities and NDIS fraud.
• She blames the end of the White Australia policy for current migration challenges.
• Health Minister Mark Butler rejects the claims as baseless.
• Hanson promotes her daughter Lee as the future of One Nation.

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