Australia’s political landscape was shaken this week as One Nation leader Pauline Hanson appeared on Sky News to discuss the shocking assassination of American commentator Charlie Kirk—a man she described as “a great advocate for common sense.” In a wide-ranging, emotional interview with host Rowan Dean, Hanson not only mourned Kirk’s passing but also issued a bold call for open discourse and political courage in the face of rising hostility.

The Kirk Tragedy: A Blow to Free Speech

Charlie Kirk, known for his passionate belief in debate and the power of words, became a lightning rod for controversy both in the United States and abroad. Hanson was quick to dismiss claims that Kirk was a “far-right extremist,” calling such accusations “absolute nonsense.”

“This was a man who believed in the power of words and the power of debate,” Hanson said. “He didn’t hide behind a camera. He went and took that debate to university students and debated with them for as long as they liked—the absolute opposite of an extremist.”

Hanson’s reaction to Kirk’s assassination was deeply personal. “I’m devastated, Rowan. I really am,” she confessed. “Very few people have his insight and intelligence, the way he handled debate with anyone. He would ask them, ‘What’s your question?’ and answer it. Most of the time, they couldn’t even respond because he made too much common sense.”

For Hanson, Kirk’s death is emblematic of a larger crisis: the rising tide of intolerance toward differing viewpoints. “This hatred that the left has—it’s complete violence,” she said, recalling her own experiences with protest rallies and militant opposition. “They’re full of hatred and bile and just hate anyone that has a different opinion. That’s a shame, the way the world is going.”

Fear and Silence: The Cost of Speaking Up

Hanson warned that Kirk’s assassination is more than a tragedy—it’s a chilling signal to anyone who dares to speak their mind. “This is what the fear they put into people. If you speak up, if you want to say anything, they’re just going to cut you down,” she lamented. “I hope people learn from this. If you can’t have an open, honest debate, what sort of world are we going to live in?”

Her message was clear: open discourse is vital, even—especially—when opinions differ. Hanson expressed heartfelt sympathy for Kirk’s family and children, calling his death “an absolute crime and shame.” Yet, she remained defiant against the critics. “I don’t take any notice of those haters out there. Time will come, and I hope they eat their words.”

The Battle for Australia’s Political Future

The interview quickly turned to the state of Australian politics, with Dean asking whether One Nation could become a true conservative opposition, akin to the Reform Party and Nigel Farage’s movement in Britain.

“Yes, they can, Rowan. We can,” Hanson declared. Since returning as party leader in 2016, she noted, One Nation has secured 11 seats across state and federal levels. “The people have had enough,” she said, referencing her experiences marching shoulder-to-shoulder with Australians. “One fellow said, ‘You’re our only hope.’ They want someone to stand up and represent this country and common sense policies.”

Hanson pushed back against the notion that voters must choose between the Liberal or Coalition parties. “No, you don’t,” she insisted. “People are looking for change. I’m going to keep pushing this and show the people what we can do with honesty and integrity.”

She recounted how former critics have become supporters. “Years gone by, they were the protesters against me. Now, they’re turning around saying, ‘I wish we had listened to you. You were right.’ I will keep pushing for accountability.”

The Migration Debate: Accusations of Electoral Manipulation

Dean raised the issue of migration and whether the Labor Party is using immigration—Indian, Muslim, or otherwise—as a tool to gerrymander the electoral system. Hanson did not hesitate to respond.

“Of course it is, Rowan,” she stated, referencing Paul Sheen’s book Among the Barbarians and remarks made by Labor figures in the late 1990s. “Barry Jones, president of the Labor Party and former minister, actually said at a forum, ‘We brought people in from Greece and China purely for the vote.’”

Hanson alleged that political parties have used language-specific propaganda to sway immigrant communities, at times avoiding English education to maintain influence. “They put out their own propaganda in their own language. It’s history repeating itself,” she said. “This is why the Labor Party is doing it. She’s right—she’s spot on.”

Standing Strong: Advice to Justinta Price and Future Leaders

Hanson also weighed in on the recent controversies surrounding Justinta Price, praising her honesty and resilience. “My message to Justinta: stand strong. They did the same to me. But you know what’s right. Don’t let them shut you down. You’re a great representative for the people.”

She revealed that she previously invited Price to stand with One Nation for the Senate, hinting at a future for Price in politics. “Consider where you see the future of this nation going and make the right decisions,” Hanson advised.

The Road Ahead: A Call for Courage and Common Sense

As the interview concluded, Hanson’s message was one of hope and determination. “I’m going to keep pushing for change, for accountability, and for common sense. I hope people get behind us. It’s all about joining, coming on board.”

She made it clear that Australia’s political future depends on leaders willing to challenge the status quo, defend open debate, and stand up for the values that matter most.