Labor’s failure is One Nation’s success

This is how we respond.

I’ve noticed a pattern over the last few months. Every time I publish criticism of Anthony Albanese, the man at the helm of a 94-seat supermajority government, I receive a few messages from Cheek followers asking me to pull back. Instead, they say, I should be focusing my critiques on Pauline Hanson.

I understand the mindset here - I used to have it. It’s an easy trap to fall into: misidentifying the most pertinent threat as the person you feel sits at the opposite end of the political spectrum to you. In the past, I have engaged in and repeated this kind of rhetoric. Be pragmatic. Make noise about the extreme. Focus on the loudest problem, rather than the powerful figures standing idly by who allow them to thrive.

I have made many mistakes just like this one. As a woman in her early twenties on social media, I have rapidly learned from the advocates, leaders and commentators around me who have helped me dream bigger than this scarcity mindset. In these extraordinary times we are living in, remaining able to expand our worldview and change our approach is crucial to building and maintaining hope. In these distressing times, what remains possible?