Last week leader of Pauline Hanson delivered a speech at the national press club riddled with divisive language, dog whistles (in my opinion), warped figures, misinformation and outright lies. So, I recorded a recap of it so you don’t have to watch it! In this speech, Hanson claims that the “political establishment” has “contempt for the Australian people’s intelligence”. Ironically, I believe that it’s Hanson herself who undermines and underestimates the intelligence of the Australian people. Her spreading of easily verifiable misinformation, including the conspiracy theory that ‘climate change is a hoax’ is an example of this. Usually she and her followers use vague terms, with plausible deniability, opening up space for debate and for her supporters to claim there was a “misunderstanding”. There is no misunderstanding here. I believe that Hanson and co are under the assumption that Australian won’t look into her policies, attempt to verify her claims, look into her voting history or investigate who she is being funded by and hence who she is looking to serve. (Hint: it’s not the ‘average Aussie’) To me, it seems Hanson is running a campaign based on shallow rhetoric, fuelled by hatred and frustration at the 2 party system and the assumption that the Australian people won’t bother to fact check her. If you’re planning to vote one nation, or if someone you know is, make sure you’re voting for who you think you are. I think you’ll find that the image of Pauline Hanson as an ‘Aussie battler’ who cares about the issues of the working class Australian is merely a facade, curated for her own benefit and the benefit of her billionaire buddies. If you truly believe climate change is a hoax, though, please don’t comment. Facts aren’t up for debate. 💋