One Nation has announced plans to conduct an independent audit of its fundraising campaign after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese questioned whether the party had genuinely raised more than $2 million in donations.
The party’s “Fire the Liar” campaign was launched in response to a Labor fundraising advertisement that sought donations to counter the growing influence of One Nation. The campaign quickly exceeded its initial $1 million target, raising $1.6 million within 24 hours and reportedly surpassing $2 million the following day, according to a live tracker on the party’s website.
Speaking to reporters, Albanese expressed skepticism about the figures.
“Did she, though? What evidence is there?” he said, referring to One Nation leader Pauline Hanson.
The Prime Minister also pointed to the substantial financial support Hanson received earlier this year from mining billionaire Gina Rinehart, including a private aircraft valued at $2.1 million and a $2 million cash donation ahead of the Farrer by-election.
In response, a One Nation source said the party would commission an independent forensic audit to verify the donations and address any doubts about the campaign’s legitimacy.
According to the party, more than 28,000 people contributed to the fundraiser. The average donation was reportedly around $60, while the largest individual contribution was $15,000.
Addressing supporters in Perth, Hanson said the major parties had underestimated One Nation’s growing support and pledged to target Labor-held seats at the next federal election in 2028.
Meanwhile, the latest Newspoll showed One Nation leading on primary vote support with 31 per cent, ahead of Labor on 30 per cent and the Coalition on 18 per cent. Albanese also maintained a lead over Opposition Leader Angus Taylor as preferred prime minister, although 18 per cent of voters remained undecided.
The relationship between the Coalition and One Nation has also come under scrutiny. Taylor has indicated he is open to working with One Nation to challenge Labor, while Hanson has suggested she would consider an informal arrangement with the Coalition.
However, after Liberal frontbencher Tony Pasin suggested the Coalition and One Nation should coordinate candidate placements to avoid competing against each other, Taylor rejected the idea.
Albanese criticised the proposal, saying it demonstrated how far the Liberal Party had shifted from the political mainstream.
He argued that effective government requires comprehensive policies and practical solutions, rather than simply identifying problems, and expressed confidence in Labor’s ability to continue governing effectively.