Victoria’s sole One Nation MP has urged Opposition leader Angus Taylor to reconsider his approach to Pauline Hanson’s party, arguing conservatives should unite if they want to remove Labor from office.
Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell said the Coalition was ignoring the political reality by ruling out closer cooperation with One Nation.
Speaking to Sky News, she said the numbers showed both parties could defeat the Albanese government if they worked together.
“I think he needs to learn to do maths a bit better,” Ms Tyrrell said of Mr Taylor.
“Looking at the poll, One Nation, if they worked with the Coalition could overthrow Labor together.”
The comments add to the growing rift between the Coalition and One Nation after Mr Taylor launched his strongest criticism yet of the minor party, declaring it was not fit to govern.
He rejected calls for a formal alliance.
However, he dodged questions over whether the Coalition would still consider preference arrangements with One Nation.
Ms Tyrrell dismissed Mr Taylor’s economic criticisms.
She questioned his claims that One Nation’s policies would leave Australia carrying an extra trillion dollars in debt.
“If he can’t do the simple maths on that, saying that our policies could run the nation into a trillion dollars of debt, I’m not buying it,” she said.
“Labor is what’s destroying Australia and Angus really needs to listen to Australians.
“Him saying that we’re a one person show I think that’s rather offensive to the massive amount of support that we’re receiving.”
Mr Taylor has repeatedly rejected suggestions the Coalition should form a closer partnership with One Nation.
He insisted his focus remains on defeating Labor rather than negotiating political alliances.
“My focus here right now is on getting rid of a Labor government that’s taken us into an economic crisis and providing an economic plan,” he told Sky News on Friday.
The Opposition leader also maintained that One Nation was not capable of providing a credible alternative government.
“The policies are incoherent they don’t add up,” he said.
“It’s not a show that can deliver for us.”
The comments prompted an immediate response from Senator Pauline Hanson.
Speaking in a video posted on X, she argued the Coalition had adopted several policies long championed by One Nation.
Senator Hanson urged Mr Taylor to stop attacking parties on the political right.
“People aren’t happy with what he’s said and his comments about One Nation and myself, I’m very disappointed with this,” she said.
“You know Angus, I’m not your enemy.
“Let’s work together. That’s what I keep saying all the time.
“The people of Australia are crying out for change. Listen to the people, Angus and work with me.”