Equality Australia: Equality Australia slams transphobic speech from One Nation Leader Pauline Hanson during National Press Club address
Michael Barnett OAM
June 17, 2026
Equality Australia slams transphobic speech from One Nation Leader Pauline Hanson during National Press Club address
17 June 2026 – National LGBTIQ+ group Equality Australia has slammed a transphobic speech from Pauline Hanson during her national press club address.
The One Nation Leader on Wednesday used her first speech to the National Press Club in Canberra to refer to the movement for trans equality as a “militant force” that must be “confronted” and a “subversive transgender ideology” must be “dismantled.” She also made shocking and dehumanising comments towards other minority groups.
Polling conducted by Redbridge Group for Equality Australia released in March 2025 found that:
- 81% of Australians agree or strongly agree that trans people deserve the same rights and protections as other Australians.
- 91% of Australians agree or strongly agree that trans people should have the freedom and choice to live their lives in the way that makes them happy.
Equality Australia Legal Director Heather Corkhill:
“Hanson’s comments are simply shameful, and are a stark example of the extreme rhetoric being directed at trans Australians.”
“This is a dangerous message that will only make trans and gender diverse people into greater targets for hate and violence.”
“At a time when we are seeing an alarming rise in often violent, targeted attacks against LGBTIQ+ people, Hanson has taken her opportunity to accelerate this hatred for political gain.”
“This is a bald attempt to turn a small and vulnerable minority into a political scapegoat, but it flies in the face of Australian values. Nine in ten Australians believe transgender people should have the freedom and choice to live their lives in a way that makes them happy.”
“Trans people make up one per cent of this country's population and want nothing more than the chance to live true to themselves, like all of us.”
“These inflammatory remarks will not improve the lives of any Australians but risk the safety and wellbeing of small group of people.”