Treasurer warns progressives not to mock One Nation voters

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 22:32 · Archive

Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers has warned progressives against mocking or dismissing One Nation voters, saying such criticism should come from genuine respect rather than 'smug moral superiority'. Speaking to a progressive audience at The Australia Institute on Tuesday, Chalmers said hoping the far right would simply fade away was not a viable strategy.

Chalmers said progressives should not scold, mock or 'cancel' voters attracted to One Nation's message of 'returning to an idealised version of the good old days'. 'When a significant swath of our fellow Australians find that message appealing we shouldn't turn on them,' he said. 'Our role as progressives is not to scold those who see appeal in that message, it's not to mock them or 'cancel' them or talk down to them.'

The warning comes as the Australian federal government grapples with severe economic headwinds, including four interest rate hikes, persistent inflation and soaring petrol prices. Chalmers has forecast economic turmoil ahead of the next federal election.

How it is being reported

• ‘We shouldn’t turn on fellow Aussies’: Jim Chalmers warns against mocking One NationJim Chalmers has delivered a blunt message to his own side, warning against mocking or cancelling One Nation voters.The West Australian · 13 Oct, 21:59
• ‘We shouldn’t turn on fellow Aussies’: Jim Chalmers warns against mocking One NationJim Chalmers has delivered a blunt message to his own side, warning against mocking or cancelling One Nation voters.Perth Now · 13 Oct, 21:59

In this story: Jim Chalmers · Pauline Hanson · One Nation · The Australia Institute · Australia

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