The 2025 Australian Federal election is drawing closer, and voters across the country are weighing up their options. Two of the most pressing concerns for many Australians are the rising cost of living and the urgent need for action on climate change. As parties begin to sharpen their focus and present their platforms, it's crucial for voters to look closely at what each party stands for on these vital issues.
Navigating the 2025 Election: What Voters Concerned About Costs and Climate Should Know About One Nation
Pauline Hanson's One Nation party has been a recurring presence in the Australian political landscape since its founding in 1997. Often described as right-wing to far-right, with an ideology rooted in Australian nationalism and populism, the party presents itself as standing for Australia and Australian values against "global agendas". But how do their stated positions and history align with the concerns of voters focused on their hip pocket and the environment? Let's take a closer look, drawing on the information from the sources.
For voters who see climate change as a critical issue requiring urgent action, One Nation's stance might present a significant hurdle. The sources indicate that One Nation senators are frequent critics of any action on climate change. The party outright denies the existence of climate change, refers to climate science as a "scam," and has promoted debunked conspiracy theories claiming climate change isn't happening or is part of a UN plot. One Nation Senator Malcolm Roberts, for instance, has been linked to challenging the scientific consensus on climate change.
Their key policies directly reflect this skepticism. One Nation opposes net-zero targets and renewable energy subsidies. Instead, they propose that "climate research needs to continue, but after thirty years..." implying a questioning of established findings. Explicitly, the party wants Australia to withdraw from the Paris Climate Accords and abolish the Department of Climate Change.
Furthermore, groups identified as having thematic alignment with One Nation, such as Advance, have been criticised for sharing known disinformation, including false claims about renewable energy infrastructure like offshore wind farms. This aligns with One Nation's general skepticism towards such initiatives.
For a voter prioritising climate action, supporting a party that denies the science, opposes targets and subsidies, and seeks to dismantle government bodies dedicated to addressing the issue would logically be seen as counterproductive to their goals.
Addressing the cost of living is a major concern for many Australians heading into the 2025 election. One Nation does present policies aimed at tackling this issue. They offer "Comprehensive Cost of Living Measures", though detailed information in the sources is somewhat limited. Specific proposals include a $90 billion Budget Savings Plan to cut government spending and a GST moratorium on building materials intended to reduce housing costs. These are presented as ways to ease financial pressure on households.
However, other economic policies advocated by One Nation could raise concerns for voters. The party champions economic protectionism. They propose reviewing and potentially revoking free trade agreements, reintroducing import tariffs, and opposing foreign ownership of Australian assets like agricultural land and businesses. While these policies are presented as prioritising Australian jobs and interests, protectionist measures can sometimes lead to increased costs for consumers due to reduced competition and higher prices for imported goods.
A particularly notable concern for some voters, especially those connected to disability services, is Pauline Hanson's statement in March 2025 that One Nation wants to cut funding for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). This proposal would have a direct and potentially significant impact on the cost of living for NDIS participants and their families.
Questions have also been raised about the party's funding and influences. The Al Jazeera investigation, for instance, asserted that One Nation sought financial assistance from Koch Industries, a large conglomerate linked to conservative advocacy. Critics argue that soliciting funds from powerful, wealthy sources like this, or noting that groups like Advance receive significant funding from the rich, could appear to contradict One Nation's "anti-establishment" positioning and might raise questions about whose interests the party truly represents when discussing economic policies impacting the cost of living for everyday Australians.
While cost of living and climate change are key concerns, voters may also consider other aspects of a party's platform and history. One Nation is generally described as right-wing to far-right and has been listed as a hate group by the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism (GPAHE) due to its track record on anti-multiculturalism, white nationalism, and conspiracy theories.
The party has a history of widespread criticism for its anti-immigration and anti-Muslim rhetoric. They strongly oppose mass immigration and multicultural policies and advocated strongly against the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum in 2023, referring to it on their website as a "divisive and racist campaign".
Controversies have also surrounded the party regarding attempts to seek funding from foreign entities, including media investigations into seeking money from pro-gun groups like the NRA in the US. The party has also faced numerous internal divisions and candidate issues throughout its history.
Some analyses suggest that the contemporary version of One Nation, at least as of 2017, may not have extensive detailed policy beyond a general "anti-establishment stance".
For Australian voters heading to the polls in 2025, particularly those deeply concerned about the trajectory of climate change and the pressures of the cost of living, understanding a party's core positions and history is essential.
One Nation presents a clear position on climate change that fundamentally opposes action and denies the scientific consensus. On the cost of living, they propose some direct relief measures but also advocate for protectionist policies and have suggested cuts to essential services like the NDIS, alongside facing scrutiny over potential influences from wealthy donors. When viewed alongside their broader history and platform, including criticisms regarding anti-immigration rhetoric and controversial associations, voters have a complex picture to consider.
With the 2025 Federal election approaching, it is crucial for voters to examine the stated policies and track records of all parties. Look beyond the slogans and consider whether a party's proposed solutions genuinely align with your priorities for a sustainable environment and a secure financial future. Research the alternatives, compare policies rigorously, and make your vote count based on an informed understanding of what each party truly represents.
If action on climate change is important to you, then this is a handy tool to help you decide: https://voteclimateone.org.au/federal-election-2025/
Yank Tanks to the Side: Time to Shop Like a True Blue Aussie!
G'day, Aussies! It's fair to say that the recent shenanigans with our mates across the Pacific have left a few of us feeling like a snag short of a barbie. When Uncle Sam slaps tariffs on our exports, it's a wake-up call to have a good hard look at where our own hard-earned cash is headed.. Did you know that last year, we Aussies sent almost $50 billion to America for their stuff?. That's a fair chunk of change that could be stayin' right here, supportin' our own legends and battlers!.
Now, we're not sayin' to chuck out your iPhone (though some are considerin' it!), but when we've got a choice, let's make it a ripper of a local one.. Think about it – supportin' Aussie farmers, manufacturers, and businesses not only keeps our economy strong and diverse, but it also means we're enjoyin' top-notch, home-grown goodness.
But how do you know which brands are wearin' the stars and stripes under their Akubra? It can be trickier than findin' a park at Bondi on a sunny Saturday! Luckily, there are some clever tools out there to help you navigate the supermarket aisles and the online jungle.
Your Weaponry in the War Against Unnecessary Imports:
Forget squinting at tiny labels – these mobile apps are your new best mates when you're out and about:
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Boycott X: This handy app lets you scan product barcodes to see if the brand or company is on any boycott lists. It's designed to help you make more ethical and sustainable choices based on various concerns. You can even see the country of origin instantly. It also allows you to browse boycott categories and see which companies are involved. Plus, you can keep track of your scan history and even see stats on the origins of the products you've scanned. Some users find it "perfect for everyday shopping" and "super practical". Keep an eye out for updates that include personal statistics on your ethical impact and community group features.
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Boycott America: As the name suggests, this app focuses specifically on identifyin' American-made products by scanning barcodes. It uses a community-powered approach, where users can verify and vote on product information to improve accuracy.
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No Thanks: This app simplifies the process of scanning barcodes to identify products listed for boycott movements. It aims to make your shopping easier by tellin' you which brands you might want to avoid. You can also search by serial number.
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bashsoftware.boycott&pcampaignid=web_share
And when you're online or want the bigger picture, these websites are worth bookmarking:
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Australian Made: This is your go-to for findin' genuine Australian products. They handpick Aussie-made products for every occasion, makin' it easier to support local makers.
https://australianmade.com.au/products/
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Lyrebird Dreaming (lyrebirddreaming.com): Gregory Andrews has put together a list of 10 big American companies to boycott beyond the supermarket, highlighting reasons to avoid them, such as exploitin' workers, dodgin' taxes, and fundin' political extremism. You can also find related reads like "20 American Supermarket Products to Avoid – And What to Buy Instead". Here's a couple of his posts:
https://www.lyrebirddreaming.com/post/us-fast-food-boycott-and-what-to-eat-instead
https://www.lyrebirddreaming.com/post/10-us-companies-to-avoid-beyond-the-supermarket-and-what-to-use-instead
It's Not About Being Un-American, It's About Bein' Smart!
This isn't about holdin' grudges or throwin' a tanty. It's about makin' informed choices that benefit us here at home. When we choose Aussie-made, we're investin' in our communities, creating jobs, and buildin' a more resilient economy. Plus, many Aussies reckon our local gear is top-notch anyway!.
Time to Take Action, Ya Mugs!
So, what are you waitin' for? Chuck these apps on your phone and bookmark those websites. Next time you're doin' the grocery run or clickin' "add to cart," take a sec to see where your money's goin'.
Let's make it our unofficial national duty to give Aussie businesses a fair shake. Share this post with your mates and family. Drop a comment below with your favourite Aussie alternatives to American products.
Every little bit helps. Let's show the world what it means to be a true blue, savvy shopper!
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