Australian PM Albanese and One Nation clash over fundraising legitimacy

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese accused One Nation of fabricating a large‑scale donation drive, questioning the legitimacy of the party’s “Fire the Liar” fundraiser that reportedly amassed nearly $3 million. Pauline Hanson responded by publishing an independent audit, stating the audit “proves the site and money is ridgy‑didge” and insisting the contributions are genuine, with more than 28,000 donors averaging $59 each.

Labor Treasury Minister Jim Chalmers and former Labor president Wayne Swan also criticised the fundraiser, suggesting it masks wealthy backers such as Gina Rinehart. The party vowed to highlight One Nation’s funding as a political issue ahead of the next election, while internal debates within the Coalition over possible seat‑sharing arrangements with Hanson’s party intensified.

The dispute has drawn wider attention to upcoming reforms of Australian political donation rules, including lower anonymity thresholds and caps on large contributions.