Pauline Hanson says Barnaby Joyce could be Prime Minister if One Nation were voted into government and she stayed in the senate ruling her out

By NICHOLAS COMINO, POLITICAL REPORTER, AUSTRALIA Published: 16:05, 21 July 2026 | Updated: 16:08, 21 July 2026 One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has refused to rule out former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce as a future Prime Minister if the party were to win government, and has commented on his viral exchange with a dog. Speaking to The West Australian's Chris Dore in Perth on Tuesday, Hanson said she believed she could take on the top job if necessary, but insisted her priority was finding the right people for leadership roles. When asked by Dore whether she wanted to be Prime Minister, Hanson reflected on rebuilding One Nation since her return to its leadership. 'Chris, it would be a huge responsibility,' she said. 'I've put a lot of work into building this party. Since coming back in 2015 there was no office, no money, no staff. Since then I've built the party up again.' 'I think I've built trust with the people because I'm consistent with my views, values, passion and dedication.' While Hanson said she was capable of leading the country, she stressed that being Prime Minister was not her sole ambition. 'If I were ever in that position, which could happen after the next election - to take on the role of Prime Minister, I could do it. I have no doubt about that,' she said. Pauline Hanson (pictured) did not rule out the possibility of Joyce becoming Prime Minister  'But it's not about Pauline Hanson becoming Prime Minister. I want the right person in the right job. If someone can do it better than I can, then you go for it.' Dore then asked whether Joyce could be that person. Rather than rule him out, Hanson noted his extensive government experience. 'It's up to the people, isn't it?' she said. 'He was a former Deputy Prime Minister. We haven't had a full discussion about it.' Hanson stopped short of endorsing Joyce but said One Nation's future would depend on building a strong team, not promoting a single figure. 'I'm not advocating Barnaby Joyce to take it over. I've led this party and fought for what we've got,' she said. 'It's not about one person, it's about having the right people around you.' Hanson said that Joyce (pictured) yelling at his dog was 'unusual' but did not criticise him  'I'm building a strong team around me with people who have experience and knowledge that will work together for the country.' The comments followed an ABC 7.30 interview on Monday in which Joyce suddenly yelled 'sit down' at a dog off camera. Hanson said she was not prepared to criticise Joyce, but called the moment 'unusual'. 'I don't know what sort of day he had, or, you know, what was going on around him,' she told reporters. 'I thought it was just... it's unusual for anyone.' Hanson also laughed off suggestions her daughter, Lee Hanson, could one day be Prime Minister. 'Can we see if she wins a seat first, Chris?' she said. Lee Hanson ran unsuccessfully for a Senate seat in Tasmania in 2025, but would likely be elected if One Nation's polling momentum continues into 2028. Hanson (centre) spoke about her friendship with Australia's richest person Gina Rinehart (left)  Hanson wooed Joyce to join One Nation in December after cooking his steak on a sandwich press Hanson also defended her long-standing friendship with mining billionaire Gina Rinehart, arguing she is subjected to more scrutiny over her personal connections than other politicians. 'I wish they'd question Albanese's friendships with Pratt and Twiggy Forrest. He went to Kyle Sandilands' wedding. No one else gets questioned like I do,' she said. Asked about Rinehart, Hanson said both are concerned about Australia's economic future and the challenges facing the mining industry. 'She's told me the problems in the mining industry. It takes nine years to get approval. That's a problem in this country,' she said. Hanson also praised Rinehart's contribution to the economy and regional Australia. 'That's why she backs me,' Hanson said.  'I did get the plane from her, and I declared it. Everything's declared, and I'm very appreciative of it, and I'm not going to apologise for it either.'