Chalmers Warns Against Dismissing One Nation Voters as Government Unveils Gas Reservation Laws

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has urged progressives not to mock or dismiss voters drawn to Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party, arguing that economic anxiety and nostalgia are driving support for the populist right. Speaking at the Bernie Fraser oration in Canberra, Chalmers labelled One Nation “inexperienced, incompetent and incapable of managing the economy or our international reputation,” but warned that scolding supporters would only deepen division.

double quotation markOur role as progressive people is not to scold those who see appeal in that message. It’s not to mock them, dare I say cancel them, or talk down to them.

Chalmers said the far-right strategy relies on relentless negativity to undermine confidence in the economy, turning pessimism into a self-fulfilling prophecy. He acknowledged the emotional pull of a “more nostalgic version of the world” and insisted that facts alone cannot counter feelings. “Feelings are as real as facts,” he said, calling for genuine acknowledgment of cost-of-living pressures and policies that tangibly improve lives.

Tom McIlroy

The remarks came as Resources Minister Madeleine King introduced legislation for a mandatory national gas reservation scheme. The bill requires exporters to allocate 20 per cent of output for domestic use, targeting a supply target of 110 per cent of annual demand enforced by the Australian Energy Regulator. The measures replace the former government’s domestic gas security mechanism and limit ministerial discretion.

Sarah Basford Canales

In a National Press Club address, King argued a guaranteed supply of affordable gas is essential for households, renewable energy firming, and critical minerals processing. She stressed Australia must continue exporting traditional commodities, including gas and coal, during the transition.

double quotation markNo two countries will follow exactly the same pathway to reducing emissions. What remains important is the commitment to the goal and a peaceful and inclusive journey toward it, so that we can minimise the damage caused by climate change, while making sure our communities have the energy they need.

Separately, Special Envoy for International Human Rights Mark Dreyfus warned social media platforms to block a planned livestream of a US military execution by firing squad scheduled for December. Dreyfus reiterated Australia’s opposition to the death penalty in all circumstances and said the proposed broadcast was “deeply distressing.”

double quotation markAustralia opposes the death penalty in all circumstances, for all people … the proposed livestreaming of an execution is deeply distressing. Platforms have a responsibility to prevent this disturbing content from being shown to Australians.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the planned stream as “completely abhorrent” and pledged to pursue any available options to prevent it, though he acknowledged the eSafety commissioner currently lacks the power to compel platforms to block the feed.

double quotation markIf there is something, anything we can do, we will do. I assure you of that.

Ben Doherty

Meanwhile, former treasurer Josh Frydenberg continued speculation about a political return during an appearance on ABC’s 7.30 program. Promoting his memoir A Grateful Son, Frydenberg refused to rule out contesting the next election but insisted no decision had been made. “There are a lot of steps,” he said, emphasising the need to win a seat and rejoin the party room before any leadership ambition could be realised.

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