The rise in One Nation popularity is scary

Hundreds of people gathered in Hawthorn East, Melbourne, to protest a fundraising event hosted by Australia's One Nation party, which was attended by party leader Pauline Hanson. The demonstration took place on Monday, August 3, 2026, and drew widespread attention due to the high-profile nature of the event and the intense public reaction. Demonstrators, many of whom carried signs denouncing the party's rhetoric, gathered outside the Tower Hotel, where Hanson spoke to supporters. The protest followed the announcement of One Nation's upper house candidates for the upcoming Victorian election, marking a significant step in the party's bid to enter state politics. The protest was marked by a visible police presence, with officers in riot gear deployed to manage the situation. Demonstrators chanted slogans such as “Nazi scum off our streets” and directed their anger toward both Hanson and her wealthy associate, Gina Rinehart. Despite the tension, Victoria Police reiterated their commitment to protecting the right to protest while urging participants to remain peaceful and avoid disrupting the broader community. The police closed parts of Burwood and Camberwell roads to control traffic and ensure safety during the gathering. Hanson, who addressed the protest on Channel Nine earlier in the day, dismissed the demonstrations as irrelevant, stating that people should express their views through voting rather than confrontation. She claimed that the current Premier, Ben Carroll, lacked credibility and expressed her intention to attend more events in Victoria before the election. An audience member responded defiantly, shouting, “He’s not my Premier!” in response to her remarks. The exchange highlighted the deepening divide between the party and its critics. This protest was not the first time One Nation has faced organized opposition in Victoria. Earlier this year, demonstrators had gathered outside a Sicilian restaurant in Moonee Ponds after the party relocated one of its fundraising events. Despite this history, local pub owner Joe Ramoro stated that he remained undeterred by the protests, noting that some of his patrons could not access gambling facilities and that Hanson’s presence often attracted crowds. He described the situation as routine, emphasizing that the party’s visibility seemed to draw consistent attention. On the same day, One Nation announced Warren Pickering as its candidate for the lower house seat of Pakenham, a marginal Labor-held electorate. The decision to withhold detailed information about the party’s policies and full candidate list until closer to the November 28 election was defended by Pickering, who argued that the strategy aimed to maximize the party’s strategic advantage. He claimed that keeping the details secret allowed the organization to focus on preserving campaign funds and avoiding unnecessary distractions from the major parties. Pickering, a former military officer who joined Hanson’s anti-immigration movement, emphasized the need for careful planning amid the competitive political landscape. The announcement of Pickering and other candidates comes amid growing interest in One Nation, which has seen a surge in support nationwide. The party recently secured its first win in the House of Representatives with the victory of Barnaby Joyce in the May Farrer byelection. However, Victoria has historically been considered a challenging environment for the party, given its traditional alignment with mainstream political forces. The upcoming Victorian election represents a critical test for One Nation, as it seeks to establish itself as a viable contender in state politics. With the polls showing One Nation at 19% in late July, the party faces stiff competition from established parties like Labor and the Liberals, though it has gained traction among certain segments of the population. As the election approaches, the dynamics between One Nation and its opponents continue to evolve. The recent protest in Hawthorn East underscores the intensity of the political climate and the challenges the party faces in gaining broader acceptance. While the party maintains its stance on transparency and direct engagement with voters, the ongoing tensions suggest that its path forward will require navigating complex social and political landscapes. The outcome of the election will likely shape the trajectory of One Nation in the years to come.