Lee Hanson is looking to follow in her mother’s political footsteps, officially announcing her bid as One Nation’s top Senate candidate for Tasmania in the 2025 federal election.
After 13 years living in Tasmania, where she settled after marrying a local, Hanson says her upbringing as the daughter of Senator Pauline Hanson played a key role in shaping her decision to enter politics.
“I’ve … grown up with one of most tenacious, resilient and strongest women in Australia as my mother,” she said.
“She’s always been my role model and I share and live by the same values of honesty, integrity and tenacity.”
While her family ties run deep, Hanson is eager to carve out her own path, saying she is not a career politician but a “grassroots Australian” with her own perspective.
“I am my own woman, with my own strengths and convictions. I’m part of a younger generation with a different lens and different life and work experience,” she said.
Her campaign will focus on healthcare, education and cost-of-living pressures, which she says are particularly acute in Tasmania.
“Our hospitals and GPs are overwhelmed. Tasmanians are lucky to get in to see or afford a doctor, let alone a specialist,” she said.
“GPs and maternity wards are shutting down. We have a three year wait list for our children to see a paediatrician and mental health and wellbeing services are practically non-existent.”
“Our education system is broken. Teachers are struggling and our curriculum is not providing our children or our workforce with the outcomes and skills they need. Tasmania can be the exemplar in rebuilding our education system.”
“Tasmanians are struggling with housing affordability and accessibility, which is impacting mental health, wellbeing and increasing homelessness.”
“Immigration must be lowered so that we can focus on housing, services and infrastructure.”
Senator Pauline Hanson says she couldn’t be prouder of her daughter’s decision to run.
“I have an immense amount of pride in her. What she has achieved with her life, the positions she has held, the leadership that she shows,” she said.
“We’re basically great friends. I’ve never had any problem with her as a daughter.”
Lee Hanson said entering politics wasn’t always part of her plan, but her perspective changed after becoming a mother.
“If you had asked me 10 years ago if I would be standing here right now, I would say ‘absolutely not, no way’,” she said.
“I’m at a point where I feel I need to stand up. I care too much about my children’s future.”
