AustraliaPolitics2 days ago

Part of enjoying Hanson’s rise? Seeing Australians discover they aren’t as enlightened as they thought

The article discusses the growing influence of Pauline Hanson in Australia, suggesting that her rise reflects a broader loss of public trust in institutions, politicians, and the media. The author notes that some Australians who previously looked down on figures like Donald Trump are now realizing they may not be as 'enlightened' as they believed.

The commentariat keeps trying to understand Pauline Hanson’s popularity through single issues. But she is the intersection, the outcome of institutions, politicians and the media losing the public’s trust.

Jun 19, 2026

5 min read

There's no one issue that has instigated the rise of Pauline Hanson (Image: Crikey)

I have to admit, I’m enjoying the rise of Pauline Hanson a little bit.

The fun part is watching a certain kind of Australian discover they aren’t as enlightened as they thought. You know the kind: they watched Donald Trump win in America and reacted with the anthropological pity usually reserved for documentaries about hot yoga cults. “Poor Americans,” they said, “with their Fox News, their guns, their megachurches, their billionaires, their weird flag rituals, their political illiteracy. Thank God we’re not like that.”

Read the full article at Crikey →

3 reports

CrikeyIndependentRight2 days ago

Part of enjoying Hanson’s rise? Seeing Australians discover they aren’t as enlightened as they thought

Bias read (Right): The article frames Pauline Hanson's rise positively, implying that her success highlights the failure of mainstream institutions and the naivety of those who dismissed figures like Donald Trump. This framing suggests a critical view of the establishment and aligns more closely with right-leaning or,

The AustralianParty-aligned🔒Center4 days ago

Hanson’s outsider status remains her precious superpower

The article discusses Pauline Hanson's continued status as an outsider in Australian politics and suggests this position is a key strength for her.

Bias read (Center): The article does not exhibit clear ideological slant. It focuses on Hanson's political positioning without overtly favoring one side. The title suggests a neutral observation about her role rather than taking a stance on her policies or ideology.

The AustralianParty-aligned🔒Center4 days ago

Taylor invisible as Hanson emerges as unofficial opposition leader

The article discusses the emergence of Pauline Hanson as an unofficial opposition leader in Australian politics, noting her increasing visibility and influence compared to other figures.

Bias read (Center): The article presents the situation objectively without overtly favoring any side. It notes the shift in political dynamics without using biased language or selective sourcing.