Few would have expected this One Nation MP’s maiden speech. There’s a subtle shift in Hanson’s movement

May 29, 2026 — 5:00am

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Last week, a newly elected MP took to his feet to deliver his maiden speech to the South Australian parliament. In several ways, it was exactly what you’d expect of the occasion. A history of his formative life experiences, heartfelt thanks for people who helped him along the way. Then, about 15 minutes in, he broke down in tears as he thanked his partner, the “love of my life”, a man named Rhisang.

“Rhisang was born in Indonesia, a Muslim, and is now a proud Australian. Our closest friendship circle is made largely of immigrants from China, India and the Philippines.” He paused, took off his glasses, and wiped his eyes as he sniffed. Then he continued, thanking his partner’s family, and said: “I love migrants. The overwhelming majority are simply searching for a better life.” Then, about two minutes later: “Thank you to Senator Hanson, who created this movement”. Meet Jason Virgo MP. The One Nation member for MacKillop.

That’s a lot to process. I’ll give you a moment.

Immediately, I thought of Rod Culleton. He was very briefly a One Nation senator for Western Australia – part of the cohort that brought the party back to parliament in 2016. Culleton lasted a tick over six months before the Federal Court ruled he was bankrupt and therefore ineligible to be in parliament. But that was long enough for him to do an interview in which he shared his thoughts on multiculturalism: “I wouldn’t........

© The Sydney Morning Herald