One Nation split emerges over Indigenous flag display

Far right One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has distanced herself from new MP David Farley’s decision to fly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags alongside the Australian flag, marking a clear point of difference inside the party.

Mr Farley, the new member for Farrer, has confirmed he plans to fly three flags – Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander – at his electorate office. He told The Border Mail that he intended to display all three in his offices in Albury and Griffith. In earlier comments, he framed the choice as reflective of broader perspectives within Australia. One Nation, by contrast, has previously said flying more than one flag in public institutions was “extremely divisive”.

Key Points

Ms Hanson told Sky News she was not aware of Mr Farley’s intention before it was publicly reported and emphasised that he manages his own office and staffing decisions. She said she respected his autonomy as an elected member of parliament, while reiterating her longstanding opposition to multiple official flags in public institutions.

Policy divergences and campaign scrutiny

The dispute over flags follows an earlier divergence by Mr Farley from One Nation’s official stance on immigration. During a political debate ahead of the Farrer by-election, he suggested that an intake of 306,000 migrants was “probably not” too many. He later clarified his position to align with the party’s stated approach, saying immigration should be slashed to reduce housing demand and prioritise Australians first, and that One Nation would cap annual immigration at 130,000.

Mr Farley also faced criticism during the by-election campaign amid revelations that he had previously donated to the Labor Party and supported teal candidate Michelle Milthorpe. Those disclosures added to the scrutiny around his candidacy, given One Nation’s profile and platform. As a new MP, his public positioning on high‑salience issues such as immigration and national symbols will likely remain a focal point as he establishes his electorate presence.

“We all live in three worlds, we live in the world of our forefathers and those that came before us, we live in the present today and we live in the future,”

— David Farley, member for Farrer

Mr Farley’s articulation of the reasons behind flying all three flags speaks to a broader statement about identity and timeframes — ancestry, today’s realities, and aspirations for what comes next.

In practical terms, the decision will be visible at both his Albury and Griffith offices, ensuring local constituents encounter the full set of national and Indigenous flags upon entry.