Pauline Hanson’s One Nation says it has raised more than $2 million in just over 24 hours after launching a counter-campaign against Labor’s donation drive aimed at stopping the minor party’s rise.
The fundraising blitz, branded “Fire the Liar”, was launched in response to Labor ads asking supporters to donate $27 to prevent One Nation from turning polling momentum into seats.
One Nation responded with its own $29 donation campaign, pledging to spend the money on billboards, television and radio advertisements targeting Labor-held seats, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s electorate of Grayndler in Sydney’s inner west.
The party’s chief of staff, James Ashby, claimed more than 28,000 Australians contributed to the campaign, with the average donation sitting at about $59. He said an independent auditor had been engaged to verify the fundraising figures.
“We’ve been overwhelmed by the response,” Ashby said, arguing the donations showed growing frustration among voters over issues including the cost of living, housing pressures and migration.
Albanese questioned the accuracy of One Nation’s fundraising claims when asked about the campaign, saying, “Did she, though, what evidence is there?”
The Prime Minister declined to reveal how much Labor had raised through its own donation appeal.
The exchange marks an escalation in the political battle between Labor and One Nation, with Hanson’s party seeking to capitalise on recent polling gains and growing dissatisfaction among some voters.
One Nation has vowed to use the funds to expand its advertising campaign across key electorates. At the same time, Labor has warned supporters that a stronger One Nation presence could influence the balance of power in future parliaments.
The donation clash comes as both major and minor parties ramp up campaigning efforts, with cost-of-living concerns, housing affordability and immigration expected to remain central issues for voters.
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