Prominent figures from Australia's One Nation party, Pauline Hanson and Malcolm Roberts, have sparked controversy with their recent and resurfaced comments on the family law system and domestic violence. Their remarks highlight a deep-seated criticism of current policies, including paid domestic violence leave and the role of support organisations.
Senator Hanson, the leader of One Nation, has repeatedly expressed her view that employers should not be responsible for providing paid domestic violence leave. In a podcast discussion from January 2025, she interjected during a conversation about business challenges, stating, "It should not be tied up in your employment. Your employer should not be responsible." This stance directly contrasts with the federal Labor government's 2022 legislation, which mandated 10 days of paid family and domestic violence leave annually as a workplace entitlement, a move designed to provide a crucial lifeline for those experiencing abuse.
Further scrutiny of Hanson's past statements reveals broader criticisms. In a 2021 podcast, she claimed that domestic violence was being "used as a weapon" in court proceedings. She further asserted, "If you text your partner a number of times ‘I want to see my child’, that’s harassment, that can be domestic violence. If you say ‘honey, sorry why’d you buy another pair of shoes? We’ve got the rent to pay’, that’s domestic violence." Hanson also criticised domestic violence groups for primarily focusing on women, arguing for equal support for men and accusing "feminists" of driving their own agenda.
Her colleague, Malcolm Roberts, echoed similar sentiments regarding the family law system. In a May interview with the right-wing podcast Cafe Locked Out, Roberts stated, "The family law court, a friend of mine describes the family law system as the slaughterhouse of the nation and he’s right." He further suggested the system was designed to create division and generate profit for lawyers. These comments from both One Nation figures underline a consistent and critical view of the current legal framework and its application.
These remarks have drawn renewed attention, particularly following a 4BC radio interview last week where Hanson initially stated family violence was "wrong" but also "a two-way street." While she later claimed her comments were taken "out of context" and denied downplaying domestic violence, the newly unearthed statements provide a more comprehensive picture of One Nation's position. The government's social services minister, Tanya Plibersek, previously defended the paid leave scheme, noting that while only "a tiny number of people" use it, they do so for essential purposes like seeking medical help, reporting to police, or moving to a safer home.