Australian acting icon Paul Hogan recently dismissed Pauline Hanson’s “monoculture” remarks by accusing the One Nation leader of “living in the past” during a conversation with the Australian Financial Review.
In the interview, Hogan, known worldwide for his role as Mick Dundee in the classic Crocodile Dundee films, likened Hanson’s rhetoric to that of former U.S. President Donald Trump, describing her as “a pelican, yeah. Outrageous, so racist.” He added, “She’s living in the past, obviously.”
These pointed remarks were ignited following Hanson’s speech at the National Press Club. In her address, she advocated for the cessation of multiculturalism in favor of what she termed as “monoculturalism,” sparking widespread controversy.
The 86-year-old Hogan, whose portrayal of the quintessentially rugged and charming Aussie character has left an indelible mark on both Australian and international pop culture landscapes, has never shied away from expressing his views. His critique of Hanson underscores his clear opposition to regressive social policies.
As these divergent opinions on multiculturalism and cultural identity continue to unfold, Hogan’s vocal stance highlights a broader discussion in Australia about the country’s cultural and social directions.
“We are a multiracial society, but we must be monocultural. Australians must live under the one cultural umbrella,” she said.
When later asked to clarify what she meant by “monoculture”, Hanson told the Senate last week: “Bring back Paul Hogan and Norman Gunston. These are the essential features of Australian monoculture, and there’s nothing remotely exclusionary about them.”
“How can it be a monoculture?” Hogan said.
“We’re all migrants, except the originals, who as far as we know have been [in Australia] for 60,000 years.”
Most Australians — 75 per cent — agree that multiculturalism is good for society, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics polling released in May this year.
However, sentiment has decreased by 10 per cent since 2020, with similar declines in Australians’ overall trust in institutions and life satisfaction.
The 86-year-old actor, who lives in California, praised his home country’s diverse roots and said that he couldn’t wait to return to Australia.
“I want to die in Australia — in a multicultural Australia!”
One Nation poll shock
A pair of polls, conducted since Hanson’s expansive speech at the National Press Club, have confirmed a post-Press Club headache for Pauline Hanson and One Nation.
Both show a slide in popularity since her high-profile speech.
Labor has reclaimed a narrow lead in both the Newspoll and Redbridge surveys, released on Sunday night.
Newspoll, printed in The Australian, has Labor on 33 per cent (up three), with One Nation on 29 (down two) and the Greens on 14 (up two).
The Redbridge poll had Labor on 30 per cent support (up two) compared to One Nation’s 29 (down two), with the Coalition on just 18 (down two) and the Greens on 14 (up two).
They have even worse news for the Coalition, with the much-respected Newspoll putting Opposition support at a historic low of 17 per cent.
The Redbridge poll, reported in the Australian Financial Review, also had Hanson’s net approval falling 10 points from a neutral position to (-10).
Coalition woes
In the fortnight since Hanson’s press club appearance, Opposition leader Angus Taylor also struggled to articulate his party’s position on multiculturalism alongside its own hard-line immigration policy.
The Coalition remains in a dire poll position, well below the 32 per cent support it received at the 2025 election.
Taylor’s blunder overshadowed the Coalition’s attack on Labor’s budget, some frustrated Liberals have lamented, although there are no suggestions that a leadership challenge is imminent.
The Coalition will use the final sitting week before the winter break to ramp up its criticism of the government’s changes to capital gains tax and negative gearing.
That will include a so-called “widow’s tax” affecting jointly owned investment properties, which under Labor’s changes could see an owner lose concessions if widowed or divorced.
The Opposition will also attempt to censure the treasurer and finance minister, accusing them of failing to be upfront about the changes.
Debate is also certain on the child social media ban and gambling reform, given Labor is expected to table legislation for both this week.
In a bid to improve compliance with the social media age limit, the nation’s online watchdog will be given stronger enforcement powers, while the maximum fine for platforms that don’t comply will be doubled to $99 million.
On gambling, the federal government’s long-awaited crackdown on betting ads will be introduced, but it is not expected to pass before MPs return to their electorates.
— With additional reporting by the Australian Associated Press.