Labor to highlight ‘risk’ of One Nation to cost of living in bid to dent Pauline Hanson’s popularity

One Nation founder Pauline Hanson’s poll numbers have continued to rise despite a string of controversies that would ordinarily damage a politician’s standing . Photograph: Hilary Wardhaugh/Getty Images View image in fullscreen One Nation founder Pauline Hanson’s poll numbers have continued to rise despite a string of controversies that would ordinarily damage a politician’s standing . Photograph: Hilary Wardhaugh/Getty Images Labor to highlight ‘risk’ of One Nation to cost of living in bid to dent Pauline Hanson’s popularity Labor MP Mike Freelander says party must continue to help under-pressure workers, including considering further income tax cuts Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Labor will seek to highlight Pauline Hanson’s record of opposing cost-of-living relief for working people as it tries to prevent One Nation further eroding its voter base. As the government grapples with how to deal with Hanson’s surge, one Labor MP predicted One Nation’s support had peaked and the rightwing populist party wouldn’t be able to replicate its polling success at a federal election. But Labor MP Mike Freelander said his party must continue to examine options to help under-pressure workers, including further income tax cuts. A new Redbridge Group/Accent Research poll published in the Australian Financial Review put One Nation ahead of Labor for the first time, making it the most popular political party in the country. Sign up for the Breaking News Australia email The result provides further evidence that while One Nation poses an existential threat to the Liberals and Nationals, it also represents an increasing danger for Labor. On Monday, Hanson fielded media questions about the possibility of becoming the prime minister, despite One Nation holding just two of the 150 lower house seats. “Do I have the ability to do it? You bet I have,” she told 2GB radio. Hanson and Joyce bill taxpayers for flights to private events on luxury cruise ship hosted by Rinehart Read more Hanson’s poll numbers have continued to rise despite a string of controversies that would ordinarily damage a politician’s standing, forcing the major parties to reassess their approach to combatting One Nation. Labor is attempting to apply greater scrutiny to Hanson’s record opposing cost-of-living relief for the same working-class voters she claims to champion. The One Nation leader has signalled she would not support a real increase to the minimum wage when the independent Fair Work Commission hands down its annual decision on Tuesday. The Albanese government has backed a wage rise that is “economically sustainable” but above the rate of inflation, which was running at 4.2% in the 12 months to March. Appearing on morning television with One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce, the social services minister, Tanya Plibersek, called out his party’s opposition to support for workers. “Every opportunity they’ve had, they’ve actually voted against things that would make it easier,