Students walk out of school nationwide to protest One Nation

Students across Australia walked out of school on Wednesday to protest against the One Nation party and its leader, Pauline Hanson. The rallies, organized by the National Union of Students, took place in capital cities and some regional areas.

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Whether you know it or not, One Nation and I are fighting for you.

In Melbourne, hundreds of students gathered outside the State Library, carrying signs and a piñata resembling Hanson, which was later broken. Speeches were delivered by high school students and political figures, including former Victorian Greens leader Samantha Ratnam, who expressed hope that the protests could halt One Nation's rise.

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It gives me hope that we can stop the rise of One Nation. Everything is on the line right now.

Year 12 student Corey Zalchendler, who will vote for the first time in the upcoming Victorian election, stated that students under 18 should protest to express their democratic rights and stand up for equality. Fifteen-year-old Georgia Newton echoed this sentiment, expressing fatigue with the "injustices" threatened by One Nation. She noted her parents supported her participation, believing youth should learn and act freely.

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Since people under 18 can't vote I think they should come out and protest. They should express their democratic rights and stand up for what they believe in, stand up for equality and rights.

Similar protests occurred in Sydney, where crowds chanted against racism, sexism, and homophobia outside Town Hall. Greens MP Jenny Leong addressed the students, encouraging them to continue attending rallies. One student reported facing resistance from teachers before walking out, while others had parental permission. Pauline Hanson responded to the protests on X (formerly Twitter), stating that One Nation was fighting for the students, whether they realized it or not.

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I'm tired of the injustices that Pauline Hanson is threatening … and the whole One Nation party is threatening to do, if they go into office. Do not run for office, and stop hating on the people who just want to be themselves.