Anthony Albanese takes a brutal swipe at Pauline Hanson as she prepares to make history – and asks her an urgent question

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has revealed what he hopes journalists ask Pauline Hanson as she prepares to make a historic appearance at the National Press Club in Canberra.

Speaking to reporters in Melbourne on Wednesday, Albanese criticised One Nation for opposing key cost-of-living measures introduced by his government and failing to represent working Australians.

‘One thing that I hope is asked at the Press Club is why One Nation is opposed to all of the cost-of-living measures that my Government has put in place,’ Albanese said.

He referred to policies including cheaper childcare, free TAFE, cuts to student debt, increased school funding and minimum wage rises.

‘They were opposed by the three right-wing parties,’ he said, adding that recent comments from Hanson had raised concerns about workers’ rights.

‘I saw an interview from the One Nation leader where she was talking about making it easier to sack people and concerned about the minimum wage increases.’

Albanese defended his government’s economic agenda, saying it prioritised households under pressure.

‘What we’ve done in difficult economic circumstances is to make sure that we continue to prioritise cost-of-living measures. That’s what good government looks like,’ he said.

He said effective government required collaboration across sectors, highlighting partnerships with business and not-for-profit organisations.

‘Working with the private sector, working with organisations like not-for-profits … making a difference to people’s lives and to make a difference for the country – that is what we are doing.’

The Prime Minister also criticised One Nation’s broader political record, arguing the party had spent decades ‘talking about battlers but never representing battlers’.

‘They stand for dividing Australia, not uniting Australia,’ he said.

‘They stand for cutting workers’ wages and entitlements, not improving living standards.’

Albanese further said the party had inconsistencies between its rhetoric and funding sources, saying it spoke about regional Australians while accepting support from ‘the big end of town’.

Pressed on whether he would watch Hanson’s address, Albanese said he would not.

‘I’ve got a busy day. So I’ll leave that to the media,’ he said, adding he would instead be watching the State of Origin.

‘I’ll be watching the State of Origin tonight. And I’m sure that will be much more fulfilling.’