John Howard advises Liberals on countering Pauline Hanson’s One Nation challenge

Consensus Summary

Former prime minister John Howard urged the Liberal Party to avoid a coalition with Pauline Hanson’s One Nation, instead advocating for a stronger partnership with the National Party. He emphasized that the Liberals and Nationals should focus on policy and unity to counter Hanson’s rising support, which has led many conservative voters to drift away. Howard, who disendorsed Hanson in 1996 over controversial remarks about Indigenous Australians, warned that the Coalition must remain disciplined and avoid alliances with One Nation. Angus Taylor, who took the Liberal leadership in February, has struggled to improve polling, but Howard praised his budget reply and immigration stance. Meanwhile, Liberal strategists, including federal director Lincoln Folo, briefed MPs on Tuesday about a long-term strategy to win back One Nation voters, noting that many are persuadable but currently unaware of Taylor’s policies. The Victorian election in November is seen as a potential turning point, with Howard predicting Coalition leader Jess Wilson could outperform both Labor and One Nation. One Nation’s David Farley, who won Farrer in a May byelection, delivered a 28-page maiden speech on Tuesday that surprised Liberal MPs by avoiding traditional One Nation talking points on migration and cultural values until late in the address.