Students across Australia protest against Pauline Hanson and One Nation

Thousands of high school and university students across Australia have participated in nationwide walkouts and protests against Pauline Hanson and the One Nation party. Organized by the National Union of Students, the ‘Students Say No to Hanson’ demonstrations took place in major cities including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Wollongong, and Newcastle.

Protesters characterized Hanson’s policies as “racist” and “fascist,” accusing the party of exploiting the cost-of-living and housing crises to scapegoat migrants and minorities. In Perth, demonstrators gathered at Forrest Chase, with student speakers criticizing the political system for ignoring the concerns of young people.

Senator Hanson responded to the demonstrations by suggesting students should focus their energy on protesting the cost-of-living crisis and the economic policies of the Labor-Greens government. She stated that schools should teach students “how to think, not what to think” and asserted that One Nation is fighting for the interests of Australians.