Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has intensified his criticism of Pauline Hanson and One Nation amid declining personal approval ratings and rising support for the party. Speaking on Sunday, Albanese accused Hanson of misrepresenting herself as a champion of working-class Australians while receiving backing from wealthy donors.

Albanese told Sky News that One Nation’s claims to represent “battlers” are contradicted by their financial ties to some of Australia’s richest individuals. He pointed to donations and gifts, including a high-value aircraft gifted to Hanson by mining magnate Gina Rinehart, Australia’s wealthiest person. Hanson received a Cirrus SR22 G7 plane reportedly worth more than $1 million from Rinehart’s Hancock Prospecting company. Additionally, associates of Rinehart are said to have contributed around $2 million to One Nation.

Despite Albanese’s critique, records indicate that his own Australian Labor Party has also accepted significant donations from affluent business figures. Data from the Grattan Institute reveals that in the lead-up to the last federal election, Labor received $2 million from Pratt Holdings, owned by billionaire Anthony Pratt. Pratt further donated more than $1.5 million to the party in 2022. Electoral Commission disclosures also show that Meriton, owned by property developer Harry Triguboff, has contributed nearly $1.2 million to Labor over several years.

The Prime Minister accused One Nation of opposing key social and economic policies aimed at supporting Australians, such as increases in the minimum wage, childcare support, Medicare expansion, and free TAFE education. Albanese argued that the party’s stance on migration and skill development is inconsistent, claiming One Nation opposes both immigration and initiatives designed to upskill Australian workers.

Hanson has recently made political gains, overtaking Albanese as preferred prime minister in national polls released last week. Her address to the National Press Club on Wednesday was noted for its assertiveness, marking a significant moment in her 30-year political career amid a traditionally critical Canberra press gallery.

Albanese’s remarks come as he confronts criticism over his government’s reversal on previously stated commitments regarding negative gearing and capital gains tax concessions. Albanese defended the policy shift as a necessary and difficult decision aimed at addressing Australia’s housing challenges.

The government’s tax reform proposals had faced widespread condemnation, leading to significant public backlash and providing momentum to One Nation’s growing popularity. In response to voter dissatisfaction, Liberal Leader Angus Taylor expressed understanding of public frustration, accusing the government of failing to deliver on its promises and misleading the electorate.

As the political landscape shifts, both Labor and One Nation continue to jockey for support amid ongoing debates over economic policy, social welfare, and national leadership.