Rallying the troops: Pauline Hanson and Barnaby Joyce mount Dubbo charm offensive

Pauline Hanson is set to return to Dubbo next month with Barnaby Joyce as part of a charm offensive for One Nation, aiming to rally support and raise cash before the next NSW state election. The event on August 15 is already sold out, though the article questions how many local residents and Nationals supporters will attend for genuine engagement versus taunting the defecting Joyce. It contrasts today’s return with early-2004 security measures in Dubbo, when Hanson’s visit reportedly included sniffer dogs, a bomb squad, and a crowd of about 100 protesters. The piece says Hanson’s current backing is stronger, citing billionaire Gina Rinehart’s support and conservative donor financing. It also briefly touches on related events surrounding Alan Joyce’s new book and its initial Amazon position.