Compare the pair.
Anthony Albanese and Pauline Hanson both entered federal politics in 1996.
Same year.
Same country.
Same broad opportunity to leave a mark.
Nearly 30 years later, hereโs the comparison.
Pauline Hanson:
Bills originated and passed into law: zero.
Her great parliamentary hits include:
โข a failed COVID vaccination bill
โข a failed burqa ban
โข a failed immigration plebiscite
โข endless motions, stunts and tantrums that generate headlines and but no actual law
Her own political legacy is mostly framed around:
โข blocking other peopleโs legislation
โข forcing inquiries
โข leveraging crossbench numbers
โข complaining loudly enough that the media mistakes volume for achievement
Parliamentary attendance rate: 53%.
Which does raise the question if Pauline attended parliament a bit more often, might she have actually managed to get something done beyond scowling at modernity?
Anthony Albanese:
Bills passed into law in government include...
โข legislating the 43% emissions reduction target
โข 10 days paid domestic violence leave
โข cheaper childcare through a higher subsidy cap
โข energy price caps on gas and coal
โข household energy bill relief
โข establishing the National Anti-Corruption Commission
โข the Help to Buy shared equity housing scheme
โข banning foreign purchases of existing homes
โข wiping billions in student debt
โข full school funding reform
โข RBA reform
โข the under-16 social media ban
โข the Future Made in Australia manufacturing package
โข criminalising wage theft
โข lifting minimum wages for the lowest paid
โข delivering two consecutive budget surpluses
โข EV fringe benefits tax exemptions
โข aged care pay rises
โข support for nurse and midwife wage rises
โข legislated super on paid parental leave
Parliamentary attendance rate: 83%.
And thatโs as the Prime Minister, with international travel, diplomatic obligations, cabinet management, legislation, party discipline, question time, and the small inconvenience of actually running the country.
Compare the pair.
One has spent decades in politics and can point to a list of legislation, reforms and institutional changes.
The other has spent decades in politics and can point to a list of grievances, failed bills, lost crusades and media appearances.
One knows how to govern.
The other knows how to linger.
One built policy.
The other built a brand.
One passed laws.
The other passed through parliament just often enough to remind us sheโs still there.
Same starting line.
Nearly 30 years later.
One of them knows how to run the country.
The other knows how to run a permanent one-person protest stall inside it.
Compare the pair.
General advice only.
Please consider your personal circumstances before mistaking noise for achievement.