Pauline Hanson, leader of One Nation, has sharply criticized the federal budget as a ‘shit sandwich’ that Australians must endure, while unveiling key economic reforms including income splitting for families raising children.
Income Splitting Tax Reform
Hanson proposed allowing couples to combine their earnings and divide them equally for tax purposes, reducing bills for single-income or uneven-income households. This targets parents staying home with children, avoiding penalties in a system that pressures both to work.
‘Income splitting means those people who stay home with their children aren’t penalised,’ Hanson stated. ‘Why should we force parents into a system where both have to work just to make ends meet?’
One Nation calculates a single $120,000 earner could save around $9,500 annually by splitting into two $60,000 incomes. Couples with $120,000 and $30,000 incomes would benefit by about $2,000 yearly. The policy aims to lessen dependence on government childcare, prioritizing parental involvement.
‘Families, mums and dads want that time with their young children,’ Hanson said. ‘Why shouldn’t we encourage that?’ She opposed Finance Minister Katy Gallagher’s emphasis on childcare to increase workforce participation, urging: ‘Stop this mentality of telling people to put their kids into childcare. Don’t do that to your children.’
Housing and Cost-of-Living Measures
Hanson’s agenda includes removing GST from new home constructions valued up to $1 million for five years to lower costs, boost supply, and aid first-time buyers and builders facing high input prices.
‘New builds up to a million dollars, cut your GST out,’ she declared. ‘That’s going to help people actually afford to build a home again.’
Additional relief covers cutting electricity and fuel prices, reducing healthcare costs, and eliminating the beer excise. She also pledged to lift work limits for pensioners, allowing unlimited earnings without losing benefits or healthcare.
‘Give pensioners the right to work,’ Hanson emphasized. ‘Why throw them on the scrap heap? Let them work unlimited hours without affecting their pension or healthcare. We can utilise their experience and knowledge.’
Broader Economic Stance
Responding to budget changes like restricting negative gearing to new builds and altering capital gains tax, Hanson dismissed the measures outright. One Nation supports a tax on gas exports, aligning with Senator David Pocock’s push despite government opposition, to attract disaffected Labor voters.
Hanson accused Opposition Leader Angus Taylor of lacking vision and copying her ideas: ‘I am the only one who has been speaking about vision for the future, I have been consistent for the past 30 years.’
One Nation sharpens its policy focus amid rising popularity, including strong South Australia results and a Farrer by-election win, shifting from past criticisms toward disciplined economic proposals.
