'Not my state': Pauline Hanson promises hands-off approach as SA parliament resumes

Pauline Hanson, the formidable leader of One Nation, has made her presence felt in South Australia, albeit with a promise of distance. Arriving for the resumption of the South Australian parliament, Hanson expressed immense pride in her party's significant electoral success, securing seven seats across both houses. This breakthrough represents a crucial 'starting point' for the party in the state, as Hanson herself acknowledged, noting that public expectations may not have predicted such a result.

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I don't think you or anyone else out there thought we were going to get seven seats, but we did get the seven seats.

However, Hanson was quick to define her role, emphasizing a 'hands-off' approach to the day-to-day operations and leadership within South Australia. She explicitly deferred to Cory Bernardi as the state leader, stating, "Definitely Cory." This declaration aims to clarify the party's internal structure and leadership, ensuring that local MPs understand their direction comes from within the state, guided by Bernardi. Hanson's rationale is rooted in her non-residency: "I don't live in South Australia, and I said Cory is the leader and you work together as a team. ... no, it's not my state."

This stance is consistent with Hanson's previous approach, as she noted her non-interference with former One Nation MLC Sarah Game. While she assures her availability for advice, the core message is one of empowering the elected South Australian representatives to manage their own political landscape. This is a critical distinction for a party often scrutinized for its centralized leadership.

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Definitely Cory.

From a South Australian perspective, Hanson's visit and subsequent statement carry weight. It signals a period of consolidation and independent action for the seven One Nation MPs. The party's intention to support 'good legislation' from the Malinauskas government suggests a pragmatic approach to governance, focusing on policy rather than obstruction. The challenge now lies with Bernardi and his team to demonstrate their capacity to lead and represent their constituents effectively, operating under Hanson's watchful, yet distant, eye.

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I don't live in South Australia, and I said Cory is the leader and you work together as a team. ... no, it's not my state.