Hanson's Voting Claims Debunked: Citizens Only in SA Elections

0:00From Sydney, this is your March 16th update. Pauline Hansen, leader of One Nation, recently sparked controversy by claiming that non-citizens including foreign students and short-term visa, holders, can vote and even run for office in South Australian local council elections. She made these statements on a podcast recorded in late January 2026, suggesting foreigners were already serving as mayors in council, members while lobbying for votes. In reality, South Australian law strictly limits candidates to Australian citizens who are enrolled to vote. A key amendment in 2021 closed a loophole that once allowed some non-citizens to run, ensuring only citizens hold these positions ahead of elections like those in November 2022. Voting rights are also confined to Australian citizens and a small group of British subjects enrolled on the roles more than 42 years ago, before citizenship rules tightened in 1984. This exception protects long-time voters across several states and federal polls.

1:02The state government reinforced these rules with a change effective January 1, 2026, barring all other non-citizens from local voting. Roles, local government minister Joe Sackax noted during debate that mere residency no longer suffices, aligning with public expectations. Two recent by-elections ran under the old system, but future contests will follow the new citizen-only standard, as confirmed by the Electoral. Commissioner, meanwhile, South Australians head to polls for a state election this Saturday. Thanks to our sponsor for supporting today's coverage. Some travel miles to find peace. I just climb into bed and listen. So L.I. Soleypillo.com