Pauline Hanson and the end of political consequence
Jun 20, 2026 •
This week, Pauline Hanson took to the National Press Club stage with a greatest hits collection of the grievances that have fueled her political career.
Immigration. Multiculturalism. Trans rights. Indigenous Australians. The “political elite”. The changing face of the country.
The backlash from the government, sections of the community and commentariat was immediate.
But that may no longer be enough. For years, Hanson has survived controversies that would have ended most political careers. And as One Nation support grows, one thing is becoming more evident: we are now entering a political era where outrage carries no penalty. Where the shock of what politicians say matters less than the anger they channel.
Today, columnist Sean Kelly on Hanson’s resurgence, the opportunities it creates for politicians of every persuasion, and what becomes possible when voters decide the old political order is broken.
If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.
Pauline Hanson and the end of political consequence
1955 • Jun 20, 2026
Pauline Hanson and the end of political consequence
This week, Pauline Hanson took to the National Press Club stage with a greatest hits collection of the grievances that have fueled her political career.
Immigration. Multiculturalism. Trans rights. Indigenous Australians. The “political elite”. The changing face of the country.
The backlash from the government, sections of the community and commentariat was immediate.
But that may no longer be enough. For years, Hanson has survived controversies that would have ended most political careers. And as One Nation support grows, one thing is becoming more evident: we are now entering a political era where outrage carries no penalty. Where the shock of what politicians say matters less than the anger they channel.
Today, columnist Sean Kelly on Hanson’s resurgence, the opportunities it creates for politicians of every persuasion, and what becomes possible when voters decide the old political order is broken.
If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.
Guest: Former Labor advisor and The Age & SMH columnist, Sean Kelly
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