We Are All Australians”: Hanson Defends National Cohesion Against Divisive Rituals at Royal Commission

In the past seven days, Senator Pauline Hanson and One Nation have dominated headlines following the first public hearing of the Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion.

The Senator’s recent commentary has sparked a fierce national debate, centering on the role of cultural ceremonies and the specific focus of the inquiry following the December 14 terror attack at Bondi Beach.

The Senator’s recent commentary has sparked a fierce national debate, centering on the role of cultural ceremonies and the specific focus of the inquiry following the December 14 terror attack at Bondi Beach.

1. Backlash Against “Uncle Allan” and the Welcome to Country

On February 24, 2026, Senator Hanson took to X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook to vent her frustration over the Royal Commission’s opening. She specifically targeted the “Welcome to Country” delivered by Indigenous leader Allan Murray (Uncle Allan).

Hanson argued that the ceremony, which touched on “stolen land” and “tall ships,” was a “divisive” distraction.

• The Conflict: Hanson questioned why a commission established to investigate a “radical Islamic terrorist attack” was beginning with Indigenous politics.
• The Reaction: She expressed particular outrage that the Commissioner, former High Court Justice Virginia Bell, thanked Uncle Allan for a “warm and inclusive” welcome. Hanson labeled the exchange “a joke.”

2. “One Flag, One People” – The National Unity Push

Following the hearing, Hanson doubled down on her long-standing policy to scrap “Welcome to Country” and “Acknowledgement of Country” ceremonies from all public sectors.

The Argument: She claims these ceremonies have become “performative” and are now forced into everything from corporate Zoom calls to airline landings, ultimately creating a “racial divide” rather than fostering cohesion.

One Nation Platform: The official One Nation website and Hanson’s social media feeds have been saturated with the message that Australia must “unite under one national flag.”

3. Fallout from Muslim Community Comments

The week has also been marked by intense political heat regarding Hanson’s recent interviews on Sky News and ABC.

• The Controversy: Hanson’s questioning of whether there are “good Muslims” and her claims that certain Sydney suburbs like Lakemba make people feel “unwanted” have led to calls for legal action.
• Government Response: The Australian Federal Police (AFP) confirmed they received “reports of a crime” regarding these remarks. Meanwhile, NSW Premier Chris Minns and various Coalition figures, including Matt Canavan and Tim Wilson, have publicly distanced themselves, with some calling her “unfit to lead.”

4. Surging Polls and “A Super Progressive Movie”

Despite—or perhaps because of—the drama, One Nation’s popularity appears to be rising.

• Guardian Essential Poll: A poll released this week shows more than half of Australians are open to voting for One Nation.
• Cultural Content: The party is capitalizing on this momentum by promoting their feature-length animated production, A Super Progressive Movie, which mocks what they call “the Naarm bubble” and “identity politics.”

Sources: One Nation , Sammi Brown, X, Gemini 3