Pauline Hanson’s anti‑multicultural remarks trigger controversy and poll dip

Australian actor Paul Hogan rejected praise from politician Pauline Hanson, calling her a “pelican” in response to her compliments, as reported by the Australian Financial Review and The Guardian.

Hanson’s recent speech at the National Press Club, in which she said “Australia cannot be a multicultural society” and urged a “monocultural” national identity, sparked nationwide backlash. Polls cited by the Australian Financial Review show One Nation’s primary vote falling from 31% to 29%, while Labor’s support rose from 30% to 33%. Labour leader Anthony Albanese leads the preferred‑prime‑minister poll at 49%, with Hanson at 31% and candidate Angus Taylor trailing.

The controversy highlights ongoing tensions over multicultural policy in Australia and its impact on party support.