Pauline Hanson has praised United States President Donald Trump and labelled Australia an “economic and social tinderbox” in a surprise speech to American conservatives in Florida.Hanson delivered the speech, which included many right-wing talking points, during the Conservative Politician Action Conference (CPAC) at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort on Wednesday night (local time).The speech comes as polling suggests support for One Nation has surged at the Coalition’s expense, amid tensions between the Liberal and National parties over net-zero targets, while Opposition Leader Sussan Ley’s approval rating remains low.

Hanson has missed a fortnight of parliamentary sittings to attend CPAC. Pictures shared on social media showed her sitting next to mining magnate Gina Rinehart at one of the events, hosted by US secretary of homeland security Kristi Noem and Louisiana governor Jeff Landry. She also attended Trump’s Halloween party over the weekend.

A graphic showing the Coalition and One Nation primary vote in 2019, 2022, 2025 and present day. The Coalition recorded 41.4 per cent, 35.6 per cent, 31.8 per cent and 24 per cent respectively. One Nation recorded 3.1 per cent, 5 per cent, 6.4 per cent and 15 per cent.

Source: SBS News

It is unclear who was in attendance during her address, in which she commended Trump for having “turned this country [the US] around” while criticising Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s government for myriad issues, labelling it a “socialist nightmare”.”It’s wonderful to be in America with a re-energised, strong, and patriotic leader who has the best interest of his people at heart,” Hanson said at the outset of her speech, according to a copy seen by SBS News.

In contrast, she said Australia has become “an economic and social tinderbox” as she broadcast her right-wing agenda to US conservatives.

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Hanson — a politician of 30 years — is widely known for her views on cutting migration and amplified that message in the US.”Under Labor’s weak governance, Australia is being flooded with up to 740,000 migrants a year,” she claimed.Experts have hosed down claims of so-called mass migration in recent weeks. Recent Australian Bureau of Statistics shows net overseas migration of 446,000 people in the 12 months to 30 June 2024.
Hanson said she blames the government, not migrants, before listing a series of issues — from inflation to national debt — as having been impacted by “high migration numbers”She labelled climate change “this century’s greatest hoax”, as she urged Australia to walk away from the Paris Agreement and ditch the net-zero by 2050 target.She argues that the pursuit to protect the environment and push for renewables is “destroying a standard of living”.

Hanson said One Nation backs the AUKUS security partnership and supports increasing Australia’s defence spending to 5 per cent.

A woman, with short red hair, in a white dress, stands at a white lectern with gold trimmings on it. American flags are to the left of the image.

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson was first elected to parliament in 1996 and has always been a strong advocate for lowering migration. Credit: @PaulineHansonOz

It currently sits at roughly 2 per cent of GDP — or $56 billion — in 2024-25.”Americans have a right to be frustrated when they’re constantly forced to play big brother to nations who haven’t invested in their own defence capabilities,” she said.Hanson finished her speech, outlining the growth in support, stating she wants to see Australia return to a “fair go”.