Ex-special forces soldier turned Liberal MP Andrew Hastie unleashes about the rise of One Nation and hits out at Pauline Hanson: 'There is another way''

By NICHOLAS COMINO, POLITICAL REPORTER, AUSTRALIA Published: 11:40, 9 July 2026 | Updated: 11:44, 9 July 2026 Liberal frontbencher Andrew Hastie has rejected Pauline Hanson's vision of an Australian 'monoculture', warning against political extremes while accusing One Nation of attempting a 'hostile takeover' of the centre-right. In an interview with Sarah Ferguson on ABC's 7.30 on Wednesday, the West Australian MP criticised Hanson and her party, arguing that Australians should be united by shared values, institutions and national identity rather than cultural debates.  Hastie dismissed Hanson's calls for a monocultural national identity, saying both monoculturalism and some versions of multiculturalism had become loaded political concepts. 'I reject both polar opposites,' he said. 'I think there is a third way, and that is just recognising that we have a great country full of diversity.' Hastie said Australian identity should not be defined by ethnicity or cultural background but by a commitment to common institutions and values. 'It doesn't matter where you're from or what colour your skin is,' Hastie said. 'If you sign up to our shared language, which is English, our shared institutions like parliament and the rule of law or our judiciary, and if you sign up to our shared symbol, that is the Australian national flag, then you're Australian.' Hastie said migrants from diverse backgrounds could remain connected to their cultural heritage while embracing a common Australian identity. Andrew Hastie (pictured) criticised Pauline Hanson and One Nation's readiness to govern 'It doesn't matter if you have a curry on the weekend or whether you go to mass at a Greek Orthodox church or whether you celebrate the Chinese New Year,' he said. 'If you sign up to those things, you're Australian.' In a recent message to constituents, Hastie declared that One Nation had 'declared war' on him and warned that 'they shall have war'. Asked by Ferguson what he meant, Hastie said the Liberals were focused on rebuilding after their election loss and reclaiming voters who had drifted to minor parties. 'We are in the valley,' he admitted. But he argued One Nation's ambitions extended beyond attracting protest votes. 'One Nation, they are focused on a hostile takeover of the centre-right,' Hastie said. 'I still think the Liberal Party carries the flame for the centre-right movement. I want to see Angus Taylor as our next Prime Minister, and that's why I'm not going to mess around with One Nation. My focus is defeating the Albanese government.' Pauline Hanson (pictured) has targeted Hastie over his ties to the case against Roberts-Smith The interview comes amid a feud between Hastie and Hanson, who has repeatedly criticised the Liberal MP for giving evidence relating to war crimes allegations against former SAS soldier Ben Roberts-Smith. Despite his criticism of Hanson and her party, Hastie made clear he believed many One Nation supporters had legitimate concerns that the major parties needed to address. 'I have a lot of sympathy for One Nation voters. In fact, I want them in my column,' he said. 'Many of them are frustrated with issues around immigration, with housing, with energy costs, and with an economy that is going backwards along with their living standards.' However, he argued One Nation had failed to offer a credible governing alternative. 'I don't think they're serious about governing for all Australians,' Hastie said. 'I think the way they've conducted some of their online campaigning recently reveals that.' Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.