Hanson’s Support Surges in North Queensland as Voters Turn Away From Major Parties

In north Queensland, support for Pauline Hanson is far from fading and in many communities, it’s growing louder. Locals who feel ignored by the major parties are increasingly turning toward One Nation, a shift political analysts say reflects deep frustration rather than simple ideology.

James Cook University political analyst Maxine Newlands said One Nation was “definitely in the ascendancy,” noting that voters disillusioned with both Labor and the LNP are seeking alternatives. Queensland has long been fertile ground for Hanson’s party, which first made its breakthrough here in 1998, winning 11 state seats.

Recent results suggest that momentum is returning. In the 2025 Hinchinbrook by‑election, just north of Townsville, One Nation’s vote nearly tripled, jumping 8.9 percentage points to 13.5 per cent.

Hanson’s visit to Townsville this week where she reunited with mining billionaire Gina Rinehart drew a warm reception from locals. Among them was resident Lauren Mylonas, who said she wants Hanson to challenge the major parties and push for change.

“She seems to be on the right track to get things going properly for Australia,” Mylonas said. “She can be over the top with some things. You can’t say a lot of the things she says are OK, but the majority of it sounds like she knows what she’s talking about.”

As dissatisfaction with traditional politics deepens, analysts say Hanson’s populist message is resonating with voters who feel overlooked and north Queensland is proving to be one of her strongest bases.