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From single mum to political powerhouse: Pauline Hanson's remarkable revelation

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From single mum to political powerhouse: Pauline Hanson's remarkable revelation

Screenshot 2025-09-23 at 13.23.44.png From single mum to political powerhouse: Pauline Hanson's remarkable revelation
One Nation leader opens up about being abandoned at 21 with two children and no support. Image source: Daily Mail / X.

Standing before a packed crowd at Brisbane's Conservative Political Action Conference, Pauline Hanson received thunderous applause as she was introduced as 'one of the most recognisable figures in Australian politics' who has spent 'nearly three decades standing up for national sovereignty, border protection, and the forgotten voices of regional and working Australians.'



But what came next surprised even her most ardent supporters.





The One Nation leader, now 70, opened up about a chapter of her life rarely discussed in public—her struggles as a broke single mother at just 21 years old, abandoned by her husband with two young children and no support system.



A rare glimpse behind the political persona



Born Pauline Lee Seccombe on 27 May 1954 in the Brisbane suburb of Woolloongabba, she was the fifth of seven children to John Alfred 'Jack' Seccombe and Hannorah Alousius Mary 'Norah' Seccombe.



Her education ended at age 15, shortly before her first marriage and pregnancy, having spent her childhood working in her parents' fish and chip shop in Ipswich alongside her siblings.



The timeline she revealed at CPAC paints a picture of extraordinary hardship. Married at 16, a mother at 17, and abandoned at 21 with two little ones to feed—this was Australia in the mid-1970s, when single mothers faced significant stigma and had limited access to government support.



'I didn't have enough money to feed us but I made sure the kids were looked after,' she told the crowd, her voice carrying the weight of those memories. 'I had a part-time job to try and pay the bills. I had no assistance, no help, nothing, not a cent.'






'He just completely distanced himself from myself and the kids'

Pauline Hanson on her first husband's abandonment



The making of a work ethic



What shaped Hanson's legendary determination wasn't just her personal struggles, but watching her father's incredible dedication to providing for his large family. Jack Seccombe worked 106 hours a week for 25 years—a staggering commitment that left an indelible mark on his daughter.



'It's taught me resilience to stand on my own two feet,' she explained to the CPAC audience. 'No one owes you anything. The world owes you nothing, and I'm sick and tired of seeing people out there play the victim.'



This philosophy, forged in the crucible of abandonment and financial desperation, would later become central to her political messaging. Her hands-on approach to work—from 'doing the guttering, doing blockages, going to neighbours' places rewashing taps' while helping her second husband's plumbing business—resonates with many Australians who've built their lives through sheer determination.










Hanson's formative experiences



  • Married at 16, mother at 17, single at 21

  • Worked multiple jobs with no government assistance

  • Father worked 106 hours per week for 25 years

  • Developed strong work ethic through necessity

  • These experiences shaped her political philosophy




From fish and chips to federal parliament



Hanson's journey to politics began with running a fish and chip shop before entering local politics in 1994 as a member of Ipswich City Council, joining the Liberal Party in 1995. Her rise was meteoric and controversial—disendorsed by the Liberals shortly before the 1996 election for contentious comments about Aboriginal Australians, but winning the seat of Oxley as an independent before co-founding One Nation in 1997.



The personal story she shared at CPAC helps explain the fierce independence and anti-establishment sentiment that has defined her nearly three-decade political career. Her experience of receiving 'no help, nothing, not a cent' as a struggling single mother clearly informs her scepticism of what she sees as victim mentality in modern politics.



A new chapter: please explain the movie



Beyond the personal revelations, Hanson also announced an exciting development for her supporters. The popular 'Please Explain' cartoon series—featuring animated versions of political figures including herself—is being adapted into a feature-length film set for release on Australia Day.









'People are saying, 'Pauline—where are your cartoons? We want to see your cartoons,'' she told the crowd. 'Well, the big surprise is, we're actually putting out the movie. Hopefully it goes worldwide—so wait for that one. I'm very proud of it.'




CPAC Australia context


CPAC is described as 'a values-based nonprofit organisation that espouses the best of Howard, Reagan and Thatcher while exploring new ideas and themes for the coming generations' that creates 'inspiring events and impactful campaigns for those that support our values and love of Australia.' The 2025 Brisbane event featured international speakers including former UK Prime Minister Liz Truss and American conservatives, alongside Australian political figures.




Why this matters now



Recent polling shows the Coalition struggling with a 'paltry 27 per cent primary vote, and One Nation surging to a concerning 10 per cent' - described as 'a full-blown crisis fueled by teal independents snapping up urban voters and the populist wave spearheaded by Pauline Hanson and One Nation.'



In this context, Hanson's personal story serves multiple purposes. It humanises a figure who has often been portrayed as divisive, while reinforcing the themes of self-reliance and hard work that appeal to her base. For many older Australians who remember the challenges of single parenthood before modern support systems, her story resonates deeply.









Did you know?


Did you know?
Hanson 'exploded upon the national political scene with her landmark maiden speech to Parliament in 1996 after she became the first woman elected as an independent to the House of Representatives.' Nearly three decades later, she remains one of Australia's most recognisable political figures.



A lasting impact



Whether you agree with her politics or not, there's something undeniably compelling about Hanson's journey from a broke 21-year-old single mum to one of Australia's most enduring political figures. Her story speaks to themes that many Australians understand: the dignity of work, the importance of self-reliance, and the power of persistence in the face of adversity.



As she told the CPAC crowd, her work ethic came from necessity - 'I made sure the kids were looked after.' That maternal determination, forged in desperation all those years ago, continues to drive her political mission today.



What do you think about Hanson's candid revelations? Do her early struggles help explain her political positions, or do you see her story differently? Share your thoughts below—we'd love to hear how her journey resonates with your own experiences of overcoming challenges.




  • Original Article


    https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/ar...tml?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490





  • Pauline Hanson: Still saying what millions are thinking

    Cited text: Leader of One Nation and one of the most recognisable figures in Australian politics, Pauline Hanson has spent nearly three decades standing up for na...


    Excerpt: Pauline Hanson received thunderous applause as she was introduced as 'one of the most recognisable figures in Australian politics' who has spent 'nearly three decades standing up for national sovereignty, border protection, and the…



    https://www.cpac.network/pauline-hanson-still-saying-what-millions-are-thinking





  • Pauline Hanson—Wikipedia

    Cited text: Hanson was born Pauline Lee Seccombe on 27 May 1954 in the Brisbane suburb of Woolloongabba. She was the fifth of seven children (and the youngest dau...


    Excerpt: Born Pauline Lee Seccombe on 27 May 1954 in the Brisbane suburb of Woolloongabba, she was the fifth of seven children to John Alfred 'Jack' Seccombe and Hannorah Alousius Mary 'Norah' Seccombe.



    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pauline_Hanson





  • Pauline Hanson—Wikipedia

    Cited text: She first received schooling at Buranda Girls' School, later attending Coorparoo State School in Coorparoo until she ended her education at age 15, sh...


    Excerpt: Her education ended at age 15, shortly before her first marriage and pregnancy, having spent her childhood working in her parents' fish and chip shop in Ipswich alongside her siblings.



    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pauline_Hanson





  • Pauline Hanson—Wikipedia

    Cited text: She was the fifth of seven children (and the youngest daughter) to John Alfred 'Jack' Seccombe and Hannorah Alousius Mary 'Norah' Seccombe (née Webste...


    Excerpt: Jack Seccombe worked 106 hours a week for 25 years



    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pauline_Hanson





  • Pauline Hanson—Wikipedia

    Cited text: Hanson ran a fish and chip shop before entering politics in 1994 as a member of Ipswich City Council. She joined the Liberal Party of Australia in 199...


    Excerpt: Hanson's journey to politics began with running a fish and chip shop before entering local politics in 1994 as a member of Ipswich City Council, joining the Liberal Party in 1995.



    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pauline_Hanson





  • Pauline Hanson—Wikipedia

    Cited text: She was disendorsed shortly before the election after making contentious comments about Aboriginal Australians, but remained listed as a Liberal on th...


    Excerpt: disendorsed by the Liberals shortly before the 1996 election for contentious comments about Aboriginal Australians, but winning the seat of Oxley as an independent before co-founding One Nation in 1997.



    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pauline_Hanson





  • Pauline Hanson: Still saying what millions are thinking

    Cited text: CPAC is a values-based nonprofit organisation that espouses the best of Howard, Reagan and Thatcher while exploring new ideas and themes for the comin...


    Excerpt: CPAC is described as 'a values-based nonprofit organisation that espouses the best of Howard, Reagan and Thatcher while exploring new ideas and themes for the coming generations' that creates 'inspiring events and impactful campaigns for…



    https://www.cpac.network/pauline-hanson-still-saying-what-millions-are-thinking





  • CPAC Brisbane: Liberals Urge Unity Amidst Conservative Crisis—memesita.com—Memesita

    Cited text: The latest Newspoll paints a grim picture—a paltry 27 per cent primary vote, and One Nation surging to a concerning 10 per cent. This isn’t a gentle decline; this i...


    Excerpt: Recent polling shows the Coalition struggling with a 'paltry 27 per cent primary vote, and One Nation surging to a concerning 10 per cent' - described as 'a full-blown crisis fueled by teal independents snapping up urban voters and the populist wave…



    https://www.memesita.com/cpac-brisbane-liberals-urge-unity-amidst-conservative-crisis/





  • Speakers 2023 | CPAC Australia | Australia

    Cited text: For more than 25 years, Pauline Hanson has been one of Australia’s most recognisable political leaders. She exploded upon the national political scene...


    Excerpt: Hanson 'exploded upon the national political scene with her landmark maiden speech to Parliament in 1996 after she became the first woman elected as an independent to the House of Representatives.'



    https://www.cpac.network/speakers-2023



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I too was a single mum of 2 kids when i was 21. My then husband thought that the single life was better for him. I got no child support from him, just a government payment for me and the kids. It wasn't easy that's for sure and the worst part of it all is that you feel secure and happy in your marriage one minute and then the next, it's ripped out from under you, taking with it your self worth, confidence and everything else. I did manage to get back on my feet though, it wasn't easy, but i did it. The only support that i had from family was from his siblings and parents.
But she still says things that a dumbass who left school a 15 would say. Sooooo. ignorant!!!!
And your so flipping clever are you????
 
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Did you leave school at 15 too?
Most people did back then, didnt sit around pretending to get an education with no work at all, having "Gap years" etc. But never actually working, but oh, you have a piece of paper that says your great,
 
Can’t stand the woman. She has hatred in her face and spits venom every time she speaks.
 
Those who struggle through such adversity unaided are the few and should develop sufficient empathy for the those in similar circumstances to understand the need for the Centrelink safety net, not begrudge them any assistance they may receive.
No one begrudges Centrelink paid to people who need it, BUT I for One begrudge People Living off Centrelink and Not pulling their weight and getting a job. This Country is an absolute mess because of our very healthy hand outs people get for doing absolutely nothing. There is no time limit on how long people bludge off the system which should be there, 12 months should be the most any person can collect money for nothing after that the amount starts getting less for an incentive to GET A JOB.
 
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I like the way of her plain speaking and she doesn’t try to belittle anyone the way she was. Men just can’t handle a woman that’s plain speaking so they try to put her down. Some men have used her for their own advantage and that’s because they can’t handle that she is a force to be reckoned with. Pauline might not have the support from the other parties but they have to admit that they need her support. She has had a hard life but come through so much and it can be hard and hard, but it’s made pauline who she is. I wish her well and can just say Keep on going pauline you can and are doing it 👍🇦🇺
 
I have always had a little or respect for Pauline. She is a real Aussie. Love her cartoons and great gifts at the one nation shop
 
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Unfortunately some people back in those years had to leave school at 15 it did not mean they were dumb but money was tight for a lot of families so every penny earned was needed .There are many people who left school at 15 or even younger who have gone on to do highly paid work. Please do not be such a bigot
 
After all her experiences she learned Nothing!
But most of all she has not one speck of empathy, compassion, generosity, understanding or care!
She is mean, cruel, ignorant, racist and bigoted.
She shames me as a woman (I'm 2 years older than her) and as an Australian.
Where is her statement condemning Zionist Israel bombing and burning Gaza, 300,000+ children under 5?

Learned nothing but selfish ignorant anti First Peoples Nation!
She disgusts me.
 
@Abbie70 Would you like to explain your :mad: face in reply to my post #19?

Are you an anti-semitic Muslim loving terrorist supporter?

An anti-vaxxer, climate change tree hugger who drives a RAM 1500?

Come on! Tell us more!
 
I too was a single mum of 2 kids when i was 21. My then husband thought that the single life was better for him. I got no child support from him, just a government payment for me and the kids. It wasn't easy that's for sure and the worst part of it all is that you feel secure and happy in your marriage one minute and then the next, it's ripped out from under you, taking with it your self worth, confidence and everything else. I did manage to get back on my feet though, it wasn't easy, but i did it. The only support that i had from family was from his siblings and parents.
Your point????
Can’t stand the woman. She has hatred in her face and spits venom every time she speaks.
Well your a nasty person arent u.
 
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This magnificent woman has never wavered in her beliefs, her love for Australia and Australians, her dedication and determination to make Australia the once great nation it was again. She truly is an inspiration and it’s time for Australia 🇦🇺 to WAKE UP BEFORE ITS TOO LATE TO GET OUR COUNTRY BACK FROM THE DIVISIVE MESS IT’S IN NOW. ❤️🇦🇺❤️🇦
But Pauline is divisive, she has been vocal about her views regarding various ethnic groups,
Quote Financial review: she is a white supremacist masquerading as a right-wing populist. The 69-year-old is a racist dated back to the 1990s, when she said Australia was in danger of being swamped by Asians, to more contemporary comments such as claiming South Africans were bringing HIV/Aids to Australia, and calling Islam a disease and advocating a ban on Muslim immigration.
 
Where is her statement condemning Zionist Israel bombing and burning Gaza, 300,000+ children under 5?
Where did you get this absolute lie from? Al-Jazeera?

Are you assuming that 300000+ children under the age of 5 have been killed since 7 October 2023?

Currently, there are 831000 children aged 0 - 14 living in Gaza. Let's estimate that 40% of those are under five years of age. That's about 330000 children of which over 300000 have been killed?

There's a vacancy on Cloud 10, because clearly, you have outgrown Cloud 9.
 
Your point????

Well your a nasty person arent u.
(n)
Pauline is just one absolutely survivor. This shows in her complete cause to save Australia with her unashamed, true & determined beliefs. Pauline speaks on how everything is, plain & simple.

With the absolute "Strife" which Australia is in, Pauline will acquire more & more votes as we all get deeper in trouble with how the federal gov't., is ruining us.

You only have to look at the absolute fools of Albo, Wong, Burke & Bowen on what they say & are doing unimpeded.

Stand high, strong & tall, Pauline Hanson.

Pauline did acquire our votes in the last fed., elections.
She is nothing more than a racist, bigot. And good luck to anyone who supports her what a fiasco Australia would find itself in if she was to take over at the helm!!
 
I like the way of her plain speaking and she doesn’t try to belittle anyone the way she was. Men just can’t handle a woman that’s plain speaking so they try to put her down. Some men have used her for their own advantage and that’s because they can’t handle that she is a force to be reckoned with. Pauline might not have the support from the other parties but they have to admit that they need her support. She has had a hard life but come through so much and it can be hard and hard, but it’s made pauline who she is. I wish her well and can just say Keep on going pauline you can and are doing it 👍🇦🇺
(n)
 
Pauline`s struggles are no different to many Australians, particularly women who were left high and dry by men and then deserted by their families. Pauline had the support of her family and then worked in a business with her second husband. So she did not achieve anything by herself. She has been particularly negative about Australian immigration, anyone who is not white or is not christian.
I think people have forgotten (particularly Pauline and her mobb) that without immigration Australia would be on it`s knees. Also I would have thought that because she has had a (so called difficult time) she would have developed more empathy for others who were facing challenges. She seems to forget that she is also a product of immigration to Australia and has done very well for herself.
Also she has also forgotten that we are all from a similar background called HOMO SAPIENS, REGARDLESS OF OUR COUNTRY OF ORIGIN OR RELIGIOUS BACKGROUND. She is resonating with a group of people who are racist and bigoted and I would think this is the real threat to mankind to-day.
 
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Yeah, someone who left school at 15 to be PM. Not while I have a say. She is as dumb as a bucket of bricks.
Pauline Hanson did not drop out of school because of poor grades, she did it for the worthiest and most honourable reason of her life... her children, her moral right!
Education can always be enhanced for the better, however, lying and pompous behaviour can only get worse.

How many people have lied about their non-existent education?
Her morality, honesty and love of Australia is a godsend!

And, FYI...
John Rockefeller dropped out of school at age 16 too, as did many other famous people:
Abraham Lincoln - Former President of the United States
Dave Thomas - Founder of Wendy's
Walt Disney - with only an 8th-grade education
Henry Ford - Founder of Ford Motor Company
Michael Faraday, one of the greatest scientists of all time

Looking down on others because of a lower education, is bigotry too...!

Who's the idiot now?!
 
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WOW ,we having a HATE PAULINE DAY! She says it how it is if you can’t face the fact too bad,I am a great supporter of her as Pauline is the only one has Australia’s back ,and certainly gives the others a good kick up the rear. And also a Queenslander .
 
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WOW ,we having a HATE PAULINE DAY! She says it how it is if you can’t face the fact too bad,I am a great supporter of her as Pauline is the only one has Australia’s back ,and certainly gives the others a good kick up the rear. And also a Queenslander .
Actually it is Pauline who is the hater, very devisive and has made a name for herself tapping into some very concerning right winged rhetoric, just like the current American president and I`d hate to see her and others like her get a strong hold on Australian politics.
 
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