Lee Hanson, the daughter of Australia’s controversial political figure Pauline Hanson, has officially announced her candidacy for a Senate seat in Tasmania, representing the One Nation Party in the upcoming federal election scheduled for May 2025. This decision marks a significant step for Lee, who has lived in Tasmania for over 13 years after moving there with her husband and children.
During an appearance on the morning show Sunrise on Thursday, April 3, 2025, Lee addressed her motivations for entering the political arena, a path she once deemed unthinkable. "If you had asked me 10 years ago if I would be standing here right now, I would say, 'Absolutely not, no way!'" she remarked. However, she explained that her perspective shifted after becoming a mother. "I'm at a point where I feel I need to stand up. I care too much about my children's future," she added, emphasizing her commitment to making a change.
Lee's campaign will focus on critical issues such as the cost of living, education, and the healthcare system, which she describes as "not good enough" for Tasmanians. "Our hospitals and GPs are overwhelmed. Tasmanians are lucky to get in to see or afford a doctor, let alone a specialist," she stated. She highlighted the dire situation in healthcare, mentioning that there is currently a three-year wait list for children to see a pediatrician. "GPs and maternity wards are shutting down, and mental health and wellbeing services are practically non-existent," she said, showcasing her concern for the community's well-being.
In addition to healthcare, Lee is also focused on education reform. "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," she asserted. Lee also addressed the pressing issue of housing affordability in Tasmania, stating, "Tasmanians are struggling with housing affordability and accessibility, which is impacting mental health, wellbeing and increasing homelessness."
Pauline Hanson, who has been a prominent figure in Australian politics since entering the scene in 1996, expressed immense pride in her daughter's decision to run for office. "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 during the interview. Pauline, who has faced her own share of political challenges, acknowledged that the political landscape has changed since her own entry into politics, suggesting that Lee might have a somewhat easier path. "Things have changed. I think people now realize what I was trying to say at that time," she noted, reflecting on her past experiences.
Despite their familial ties, Lee is keen to establish her own identity in the political realm. "I’m not my mother. I’m very different," she stated, highlighting her desire to carve out her own path while still valuing the lessons learned from her mother. Lee described her upbringing with Pauline as influential, saying, "I’ve grown up with one of the most tenacious, resilient and strongest women in Australia as my mother. She’s always been my role model and I share and live by the same values of honesty, integrity, and tenacity."
As a mother herself, Lee's motivations are deeply personal. "I care too much about my children’s future. So, it’s time to make a change. I have the experience, and here I am, I’ll give it a go," she reiterated. Lee's professional background includes senior leadership roles in human resources and at the University of Tasmania, experiences she believes will contribute to her effectiveness as a politician.
During the Sunrise interview, Lee and Pauline discussed their relationship, revealing a supportive dynamic. "We’re basically great friends. I’ve never had any problem with her as a daughter," Pauline said, while Lee added that they do not argue politically but rather engage in constructive discussions. "I test her thinking and provide a different context from a next generation," Lee explained, emphasizing the importance of both perspectives in their conversations.
Lee’s candidacy comes at a time when Tasmania faces significant political challenges, with six Senate seats up for grabs. The current political landscape includes representatives from the Labor Party, the Liberal Party, the Jacqui Lambie Network, and the Greens. One Nation, while historically a smaller player, is looking to regain a foothold with Lee at the helm of their campaign in Tasmania.
In her closing remarks during the interview, Pauline wished her grandson, Noah, a happy birthday, showcasing the family-oriented values that both she and Lee hold dear. As Lee embarks on this new chapter in her life, she is determined to bring her vision for a better Tasmania to the forefront of the political conversation.
With her strong commitment to addressing the pressing issues facing her community, Lee Hanson is poised to make an impact as she seeks to follow in her mother’s footsteps while also establishing her own identity in the political landscape. As the election approaches, all eyes will be on Lee to see how her campaign unfolds and whether she can resonate with the voters of Tasmania.
