Australian anti-immigration firebrand Pauline Hanson said on Thursday she plans to run this year’s general election, saying politicians were out of touch with how ordinary Australians feel.
The controversial former One Nation leader, who once warned Australia was in danger of being swamped by Asians, made the announcement on Channel Seven television, although it was not clear in what capacity she would stand.
“I’m seriously thinking about it and the possibility is yes, I will give it a go. The passion is still there and I’m very concerned about my country.
“I just don’t think that there are people there who really understand how Australians are feeling. I don’t think there is a representation for our culture, our way of life, our standard of living.”
Hanson, 58, shot to fame in the 1990s when she ditched her fish and chip shop to represent a Queensland state electorate in the national parliament, forming the anti-immigration and trade protectionist One Nation party.