The Sydney Morning Herald has published a reader’s letter describing One Nation supporters as “cretins”, as the party argues the episode highlights a broader contempt for voters among sections of the media.
The letter appeared in last Saturday’s edition of the paper and criticised the newspaper’s coverage of Pauline Hanson before attacking those who support her party.
“Flicking through the pages of Saturday’s Herald, I was disturbed by images of Hanson on pages 14, 33, 34 and 36, as well as a cartoon likeness on page 3 of the business section,” the letter stated.
“Dare I ask why Hanson and her cavalcade of cacophonous cretins are given so much oxygen?”
The term “cretins” is commonly defined as extremely foolish, stupid or insensitive.
It was published despite being directed at a political movement that now commands substantial support in national polling.
A One Nation spokesman said the publication of the letter revealed how some media and political figures viewed ordinary Australians who did not share their political views.
He argued dismissive attitudes towards voters carried political risks.
“This letter and its publication by the SMH reveal the sneering contempt many people have for the intelligence and agency of Australian voters,” the spokesperson told SkyNews.com.au.
“Has nothing been learned from Hillary Clinton’s ‘deplorables’ moment?
“Those who dismiss the genuine concerns of growing numbers of Australians do so at peril of their own relevance while making Senator Hanson’s arguments for her.”
He said One Nation supporters were accustomed to criticism and abuse but argued the incident was revealing for a different reason.
“We support freedom of speech not only so that Australians can express themselves, but also so that they can reveal their true natures by exercising it and experience the consequences of doing so,” he said.
“That’s how free speech is supposed to work.
“That’s precisely how it is working in Australia right now as the press gallery desperately grapples with the daunting challenge of navigating – with an outdated map – the new political landscape created by One Nation’s surge.”
One Nation maintains its lead as the number one political party in the country after overtaking Labor in the beginning of June, according to Sky News’ YouGov Pulse survey.
The poll, conducted from June 9 to 16, showed One Nation has captured 28 per cent of the primary vote, ahead of Labor on 26 per cent.
The Coalition trailed on 21 per cent, with the Greens capturing 13 per cent and independent or other parties at 12 per cent.
There has been a growing acceptance of Ms Hanson’s party as a potential government-in-waiting.
Polling showed 50 per cent of voters supportive of One Nation believed the party would be ready to govern today.
A further 33 per cent said the party will be ready by the 2028 election.
The controversy comes against a backdrop of ongoing tension between One Nation and sections of the media over political coverage and legitimacy.
In recent weeks, Ms Hanson has pushed back against commentary from outlets such as the ABC and The Sydney Morning Herald, arguing the party is being unfairly characterised.
Ms Hanson has previously dismissed claims about her party’s legitimacy and accused critics of political bias, saying they underestimate voter support.
“All they can do is throw the barbs and say I’m a racist,” she said.
She has also argued that her party’s message resonates with voters who feel ignored by major political parties and parts of the media establishment.
“A lot of the people around me are actually migrants and people of all different cultural backgrounds … we look past that because they’re so proud to be Australians,” she previously said.
The Sydney Morning Herald has not publicly commented on the publication of the letter.