One Nation surges in polls as Pauline Hanson demands nationwide school burqa ban ahead of Australian elections

From the Newshound archive · first published 6 October 2026.

One Nation is polling strongly as Anthony Albanese's support drops to its lowest recorded level, with the party unveiling a policy to outlaw burqas, niqabs and full-face coverings across all Australian schools. Leader Pauline Hanson, who has raised concerns about radicalisation, says teachers must be able to see every student's face; the ban would extend to Islamic and private schools. Education spokesperson Colleen Harkin said schools must be 'a place where children learn about Australian citizenship' and that girls should 'stand as equals to boys'. One Nation's hardline immigration stance is reportedly dragging Australian politics rightward, with the party itself reaping the electoral rewards.

One Nation is also moving its headquarters to a Brisbane building owned by Gina Rinehart, Australia's wealthiest person and a longstanding financial backer of the party.

A former police officer standing as a One Nation candidate has separately proposed putting drug offenders to work on farms as a means of easing labour shortages in regional areas.

Hanson drew widespread attention when she appeared in the Australian Senate wearing a burqa in 2025 to demonstrate her opposition after her earlier push to outlaw full-face coverings in public was defeated.