Australia's Albanese Defends Tax Reversal as One Nation Rises; Hanson Backs War‑Crime Accused

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the surge in popularity of Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party contributed to his government’s decision to reverse a pre‑election pledge on capital gains tax and negative‑gearing reforms. He argued the move was required to address voter frustration over the economy, denying that his 19‑seat majority or One Nation’s parliamentary seats were the drivers.

At a community barbecue in Brisbane’s south‑west, One Nation leader Pauline Hanson expressed support for former soldier Ben Roberts‑Smith, who faces multiple war‑crime murder charges for alleged killings in Afghanistan. Hanson questioned whether senior officers who oversaw Roberts‑Smith’s actions would also be prosecuted and urged supporters to stand by the accused.

Both events highlight One Nation’s growing influence on Australian political debate, from fiscal policy to high‑profile legal cases.