ON
← Back to feed
‘Unbelievable’: One Nation immigration policy in chaos as MP concedes target ‘not too different’ from Labor’s
Australia🏛️ PoliticsCenter19 hr. ago

‘Unbelievable’: One Nation immigration policy in chaos as MP concedes target ‘not too different’ from Labor’s

One Nation, an Australian political party, faces internal criticism over its immigration policy after MP David Farley suggested the party's proposed migration numbers are not significantly different from those of the current Albanese government. Farley attempted to redefine 'net overseas migration' (NOM), stating that while the raw number might be similar to the government's, the focus should be on where migrants are needed, primarily in rural areas for sectors like agriculture, engineering, and mining rather than major cities. He explained that One Nation's target of 130,000 annual net overseas migrants does not include additional migrant categories such as the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) program and aged care nurses, which could add at least 100,000 more migrants annually. This clarification has led to accusations from both the opposition and the ruling party that One Nation lacks consistency and clarity on a central policy issue.

On August 29, the outcome of the byelection in the Western Australian seat of Secret Harbour is expected to serve as a pivotal moment for the One Nation party, marking a potential turning point in its national ambitions. The contest, held in a traditionally safe Labor seat, has drawn intense scrutiny from major political parties, with both the Labor and Liberal factions closely monitoring the results. Early voting began on Monday, and according to an exit poll conducted by the West Australian involving 120 voters, half expressed a preference for One Nation. While the poll was taken on the first day of pre-polling, it highlights the growing influence of the party in the region. The stakes for One Nation are particularly high, as a win in Secret Harbour would bolster its prospects in the upcoming 2028 federal election, especially regarding its targeted campaign against federal Liberal MP Andrew Hastie. Hastie, who represents the electorate of Canning, has become a focal point for One Nation due to his past testimony against veteran soldier Ben Roberts-Smith, who is currently facing war crime charges. Pauline Hanson, the party's leader, and her influential supporter Gina Rinehart have made it clear that Hastie is a key target. In recent weeks, Hanson has shifted her stance on several critical issues, notably rejecting the Productivity Commission’s recommendation to reduce the generous GST deal granted to Western Australia. This move signals a broader realignment of her priorities toward state-level concerns. Hastie himself has acknowledged the threat posed by One Nation, stating that figures such as campaign director James Ashby are directly targeting him. The party’s presence in Western Australia is further amplified by its strategic efforts in the November Victorian state election, where it is currently trailing behind its competitors. However, reports suggest that Ashby has recently deployed substantial resources, including an advertising budget and a detailed campaign strategy, to gain traction in the state. At the federal level, One Nation has experienced a dramatic rise in prominence. A year ago, the party was estimated to hold around 9% support in Newspoll, yet today, government officials are already preparing for the possibility of a One Nation-led administration. Shadow Minister Andrew Hastie, who shares the name with the federal MP, warned that the government must prepare its legislation to withstand potential challenges from the party. This concern is underscored by Education Minister Jason Clare’s recent remarks, in which he emphasized the need to future-proof legislative measures against a One Nation government potentially misusing certain powers. Despite these warnings, the government has managed to secure victories on key pieces of legislation, including reforms related to gambling and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). However, its most pressing challenge remains the issue of migration. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has postponed announcing policy changes aimed at reducing net overseas migration, which is currently running above the government’s target of 245,000 for the current fiscal year. Immigration experts, such as former departmental official Abul Rizvi, argue that the government’s reluctance to establish long-term migration targets has led to mounting complications. Rizvi contends that the lack of clarity has resulted in a situation where the government is now scrambling to address the issue. Meanwhile, the political landscape is further complicated by the ongoing legal battle involving Pauline Hanson. Liberal Party president Tony Abbott has publicly endorsed Hanson’s High Court challenge against a ruling that found her to have racially vilified a Greens senator. This case centers on a comment she made to Mehreen Faruqi, urging her to return to Pakistan. Abbott, who once attempted to repeal section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act as prime minister, has again positioned himself in favor of free speech, aligning the Liberal Party with One Nation on this issue. His comments have reignited discussions about the constitutionality of hate speech laws, despite previous setbacks. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has called on the opposition to clarify which aspects of speech they believe should be restricted, emphasizing the importance of maintaining current levels of acceptable discourse.

Go to the primary sources (6)

The official sources this coverage is built on. Read them directly to bypass framing.

12 reports

SBS News logoSBS NewsState / PublicCenterFactual 85Objective 907 days ago
'Not where the problems are': Working holiday visa slowdown divides parties

The Australian government has slowed the processing of working holiday visa applications, commonly known as 'backpacker visas,' amid growing pressure to reduce net overseas migration. The decision follows reports that the government had temporarily paused these applications from 24 countries, although Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke clarified that processing continues but at a slower pace. Opposition parties such as the Nationals and One Nation argue that backpackers are not the main issue and instead point to international student numbers as a greater concern. Migration experts warn against blaming migrants for housing shortages, emphasizing their role in addressing labor needs across sectors like agriculture and construction. The number of working holiday visa holders reached 210,000 in June 2025, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, while net overseas migration decreased slightly to 301,000 in 2025.

Bias read (Center): The article presents multiple perspectives without overtly favoring any side. It includes statements from the government, opposition parties, and migration experts, offering a balanced view of the debate over migration policies and their implications. There is no clear ideological slant in the tone,

Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports the government slowing processing of working holiday visas, citing multiple sources including the nine newspapers and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke. It provides direct quotes and context about the Pacific workers’ scheme and mentions the lack of detailed explanation

Why objectivity (90): The article maintains a neutral tone throughout, presenting facts without overt bias. It includes statements from both the government and opposition parties, quoting officials and providing background without editorializing or using emotionally charged language.

The Conversation (AU) logoThe Conversation (AU)IndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 703 days ago
Grattan on Friday: why a byelection in Western Australia has turned into a national test for One Nation

A byelection in Western Australia's Secret Harbour seat has become a significant political test for the One Nation party, with early polling suggesting strong support for the party. The race is seen as part of a broader strategy by One Nation to challenge Liberal MP Andrew Hastie ahead of potential future elections. The outcome could influence future political battles, particularly in Victoria where One Nation is preparing for an upcoming election. The article notes the growing influence of One Nation nationally, citing increased visibility and strategic efforts, while also highlighting ongoing challenges for the government, particularly regarding migration policy.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced overview of the political situation, discussing both the significance of the byelection for One Nation and the challenges faced by the government. While it highlights the rising influence of One Nation, it does not overtly favor one side over another. The framing is客观

Why factuality (85): The article provides context about the byelection in Western Australia and One Nation's strategic focus on Andrew Hastie. While it references Pauline Hanson's recent positions, it doesn't directly quote her statements from the primary source. The information is generally accurate but lacks direct so

Why objectivity (70): The article frames the situation as a 'national test for One Nation,' which could imply a particular perspective. It focuses more on One Nation's strategies than on balanced analysis of all parties involved, slightly reducing objectivity.

The Sydney Morning Herald logoThe Sydney Morning HeraldIndependentCenterFactual 80Objective 8510 days ago
Pauline Hanson comes under fire over failed candidate's podcast comments

Pauline Hanson, leader of Australia's One Nation party, has distanced herself from a former Western Australian candidate after he made controversial remarks suggesting that being gay is a 'mental illness'. The comments were reportedly made during a podcast, leading to criticism against both the candidate and Hanson. While Hanson has not directly endorsed the remarks, she has taken steps to distance herself from them, emphasizing her party's stance on supporting LGBTQ+ rights. This incident highlights ongoing tensions within the party regarding ideological alignment and public perception.

Bias read (Center): The article presents the controversy surrounding Pauline Hanson and her association with a former candidate's inflammatory remarks without overtly endorsing or condemning either side. It focuses on the political implications and public reaction rather than taking a clear ideological stance. The tone

Why factuality (80): This article provides detailed accounts of student protests, including quotes from participants and organizers. It accurately describes the events and includes specific examples of student activism, which aligns with the primary source's coverage of public reactions to One Nation. No factual inconsi

Why objectivity (85): The article maintains a neutral tone, quoting students and political figures without apparent bias. It presents multiple perspectives, including student voices and political leaders, contributing to a balanced narrative.

The Sydney Morning Herald logoThe Sydney Morning HeraldIndependentCenterFactual 60Objective 6510 days ago
Thousands of students walk out of class to protest against Pauline Hanson

Thousands of Australian university and high school students participated in protests by skipping classes to demonstrate against the political party One Nation and its leader, Pauline Hanson. These demonstrations reflect student opposition to Hanson's policies and influence. The protests occurred nationwide, indicating widespread concern among young people regarding the direction and impact of One Nation's political agenda.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual account of student protests against Pauline Hanson and her party without using biased language or emphasizing one side over another. It does not include commentary or framing that would suggest a particular ideological leaning.

Why factuality (60): This article repeats the same information as the first article about student protests against Pauline Hanson. It does not provide new facts or additional context beyond what is already covered in the primary source. It lacks specific details about the nature of the protests or their impact.

Why objectivity (65): The tone remains neutral, focusing on the action of students protesting. However, similar to the first article, it emphasizes the significance of the protests without providing a balanced view of opposing arguments or perspectives.

The Age logoThe AgeIndependentCenterFactual 60Objective 6510 days ago
Pauline Hanson comes under fire over failed candidate's podcast comments

Pauline Hanson, leader of Australia's One Nation party, has distanced herself from a former Western Australian candidate after he made controversial remarks suggesting that being gay is a 'mental illness'. The comments were reportedly made during a podcast, leading to criticism from various groups and prompting Hanson to clarify her stance. While she has not directly condemned the remarks, she has emphasized that such views do not represent the party's position. The incident highlights ongoing tensions within the party and broader societal debates around LGBTQ+ rights.

Bias read (Center): The article presents the situation neutrally by quoting the candidate's remarks and reporting on Hanson's response without overtly criticizing either side. It does not take a clear ideological stance but rather reports on the controversy and the party's reaction. The framing remains balanced, though

Why factuality (60): This article is identical in content to the third article, repeating the same information about Pauline Hanson distancing herself from a candidate's comments. It does not add new factual information or context, making it less informative than the primary source.

Why objectivity (65): The tone is neutral, but it focuses solely on the controversy surrounding the candidate's comments without exploring the broader implications or differing viewpoints related to the issue.

news.com.au logonews.com.auIndependentConservativeFactual 50Objective 508 days ago
Pauline breaks silence on ‘gayest party’ claim

Pauline Hanson has responded to claims that her One Nation party is the 'gayest party' in Australian politics. The remarks were made by a former member of the Liberal Party, who suggested that One Nation's policies and rhetoric align more closely with progressive values on social issues, including those related to LGBTQ+ rights. Hanson addressed these comments directly, defending her party's stance and clarifying its positions on various social and economic issues. Her response highlights ongoing debates around the ideological positioning of minor parties in Australia and their alignment with mainstream political discourse.

Bias read (Conservative): The article focuses on Pauline Hanson's response to criticism regarding her party's perceived alignment with progressive values, which is a politically charged issue in Australian politics. The framing emphasizes the defense of conservative policies and positions, suggesting a right-leaning approach

Why factuality (50): This article discusses Pauline Hanson's response to a 'gayest party' claim, which is unrelated to the primary source document about privacy commissioner Carly Kind discussing surveillance wearables. It provides no factual information related to the main topic of the primary source.

Why objectivity (50): The article presents a biased perspective by focusing on a specific claim about Pauline Hanson without providing balanced context or evidence. The tone appears to be subjective rather than neutral.

Crikey logoCrikeyIndependentCenterFactual 50Objective 5010 days ago
Labor plans crackdown on visa overstayers

The Australian government is reportedly considering increasing efforts to enforce visa regulations and target overstayers, according to a report by the Sydney Morning Herald. This comes amid discussions within the cabinet led by Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, who proposed enhancing enforcement measures. The move aligns with broader debates around migration policy and national security. Meanwhile, Pauline Hanson, leader of the One Nation party, faces scrutiny over her inability to identify key regional leaders, adding to the political discourse surrounding immigration and border control.

Bias read (Center): The article presents information about potential government actions regarding visa enforcement without overtly favoring any political side. It references a report from the Sydney Morning Herald and mentions both the government's proposals and criticism directed at Pauline Hanson, suggesting a fairly

Why factuality (50): This article discusses immigration policies and One Nation, which is unrelated to the primary source document about privacy commissioner Carly Kind discussing surveillance wearables. It provides no factual information related to the main topic of the primary source.

Why objectivity (50): The article presents a biased perspective by focusing on immigration policies and One Nation without providing balanced context or evidence. The tone appears to be subjective rather than neutral.

The Age logoThe AgeIndependentCenter19 hr. ago
Confusion over One Nation’s migration policy

The article reports on internal disagreements within the One Nation party regarding their migration policy, highlighting conflicting messages between leader Pauline Hanson and MP David Farley. This confusion suggests a lack of cohesion in the party's stance on immigration issues, potentially affecting its effectiveness and public perception.

Bias read (Center): The article presents the conflict within One Nation as a factual report without overtly favoring either Pauline Hanson or David Farley. It focuses on the disagreement itself rather than taking a clear ideological stance, thus maintaining a balanced frame.

The Sydney Morning Herald logoThe Sydney Morning HeraldIndependentCenter19 hr. ago
Confusion over One Nation’s migration policy

The article reports on internal disagreements within the One Nation party regarding their migration policy. Party leader Pauline Hanson and MP David Farley have issued conflicting messages, leading to confusion among supporters and potential challenges in implementing a cohesive policy. This situation highlights the factional tensions within the party and could impact its effectiveness in addressing immigration-related issues.

Bias read (Center): The article presents the conflict between Pauline Hanson and David Farley as a factual report without overtly favoring either side. It focuses on the internal disagreement rather than taking a clear ideological stance. The tone remains neutral, providing information without apparent bias toward any党

ABC News (Australia) logoABC News (Australia)State / PublicCenteryesterday
One Nation pursuing migration rate 'not too different' to Labor

One Nation MP David Farley stated that the party’s approach to migration would not differ significantly from current government policies, suggesting a migration rate of around 230,000 per year by 2028. This includes a net overseas migration rate of approximately 130,000 plus a minimum of 100,000 skilled workers through existing visa programs. Farley emphasized that while the overall numbers might align with government projections, One Nation would prioritize directing migrants to sectors like agriculture, engineering, and mining rather than major cities. The party also proposed restricting migration from certain countries considered high-risk and tying migration levels to housing construction rates. These proposals come amid growing political pressure over migration policy, with the Coalition responding by developing its own strategy to counter One Nation’s influence.

Bias read (Center): The article presents One Nation's migration policy positions alongside the government's and the Coalition's responses, providing balanced quotes from various political actors without overtly favoring any side. It does not use loaded language or omit significant perspectives, maintaining neutrality.

The Sydney Morning Herald logoThe Sydney Morning HeraldIndependentCenteryesterday
‘Unbelievable’: One Nation immigration policy in chaos as MP concedes target ‘not too different’ from Labor’s

One Nation, an Australian political party, faces internal criticism over its immigration policy after MP David Farley suggested the party's proposed migration numbers are not significantly different from those of the current Albanese government. Farley attempted to redefine 'net overseas migration' (NOM), stating that while the raw number might be similar to the government's, the focus should be on where migrants are needed, primarily in rural areas for sectors like agriculture, engineering, and mining rather than major cities. He explained that One Nation's target of 130,000 annual net overseas migrants does not include additional migrant categories such as the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) program and aged care nurses, which could add at least 100,000 more migrants annually. This clarification has led to accusations from both the opposition and the ruling party that One Nation lacks consistency and clarity on a central policy issue.

Bias read (Center): The article presents the situation objectively, quoting statements from One Nation MP David Farley and responses from both the opposition and the ruling party. It does not exhibit clear bias toward either side, providing balanced perspectives on the controversy surrounding One Nation's immigration政策

The Age logoThe AgeIndependentProgressiveyesterday
‘Unbelievable’: One Nation immigration policy in chaos as MP concedes target ‘not too different’ from Labor’s

One Nation, an Australian political party, has faced criticism for confusion and inconsistency in its immigration policy. MP David Farley admitted that the party's migration target of 130,000 per year, when combined with additional migrant categories like the PALM program and skilled workers, would result in a total of approximately 230,000 migrants annually, close to the current federal government's target of 245,000. Farley argued that the 'true' net overseas migration (NOM) figure should consider skilled workers and specific industries rather than just raw numbers. Opposition parties, including Labor and the Coalition, have criticized One Nation for lack of clarity and shifting positions on a central policy issue. Coalition spokesperson Jonno Duniam accused the party of creating policy on the fly.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames One Nation's immigration policy as inconsistent and politically motivated, emphasizing the party's shift from its stated position. It highlights criticism from opposition figures, suggesting a left-leaning perspective by portraying One Nation as disorganized and lacking coherence.

How each side covered it

The same event, grouped by the political lean of the outlets covering it.

How each side covered it

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Covered around the world

The same event as reported in other countries.

Covered around the world

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Claims check

Key factual claims, and how many sources assert vs dispute each.

Claims check

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Keep the news honest.

ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.

Become a Supporter

Related stories