Hanson offers Coalition cooperation while promising net-zero inquiry

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson said at CPAC in Brisbane on 10 October that she was willing to put aside differences with the Liberal Party to form government after the next election. She also sharply criticised opposition leader Angus Taylor.

Hanson said future generations mattered more than her personal grievances. The Liberal Party disendorsed her in 1996. She was later sentenced to three years for electoral fraud, but the conviction was overturned and she was released after less than three months. Her speech signalled willingness to cooperate, but no agreement with the Coalition was announced.

She also pledged a royal commission into net-zero policy if she won the election, demanding scrutiny of energy decisions and taxpayer spending and accusing Energy Minister Chris Bowen of secrecy. These were political allegations and a promise of a future inquiry. Bowen rejected her approach and said the commission would harm farmers seeking to diversify their income.

Speaking before Hanson, Taylor acknowledged mistakes by previous Coalition governments on pandemic spending, climate commitments and immigration. He said the Liberal Party had changed under his leadership. He remained noncommittal when asked about deals with One Nation, while Nationals leader Matt Canavan urged the parties to focus on replacing Anthony Albanese's government.