One Nation says prime minister tried to sway MP with costly staffer offer

The Guardian reported that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese offered One Nation MP David Farley an additional staff member. The party described the move as “unsolicited”. Pauline Hanson said the offer, which would cost taxpayers up to $200,000 in salary, was an attempt to “exert undue political influence” over politicians. The statement was posted on social media by Hanson, who said the extra adviser was meant to win over the new MP. One Nation framed the offer as a use of public funds to influence a member of the opposition.

The party’s criticism focuses on the financial size of the proposed role and the perception that the government is trying to gain political leverage. No response from the prime minister’s office was included in the report.

Why it matters

The allegation raises questions about how taxpayer money is used in political staffing and highlights tensions between the government and opposition parties.

Key details

Location

United Kingdom · Europe

Reported by

The Guardian

First reported

29 Oct 2026, 13:56 IST

Key names

David Farley, PM, Nation MP David, Pauline Hanson

Section

Politics

Sources

This is an independent summary. Read the full, original reporting from the publisher:

• The GuardianOne Nation accuses PM of trying to ‘exert undue political influence’ by offering David Farley an extra staffer 29 Oct, 13:56

Read the full story at The Guardian ↗

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