One Nation supporters are the underdogs

Pauline Hanson in action in the Senate.

What we are seeing throughout the West is a remaking of liberal democracy. In its infancy, even John Stuart Mill was worried about what would happen if the principle of ‘one vote, one value’ was applied with universal suffrage. Imagine a dumb arse navvy getting the same vote as an educated property owner? This is the classic problem of the tyranny of the majority.

Instead of advocating plural voting, where those better-educated individuals had more votes than less-educated workers, academics have invented a shame culture that effectively does the same thing. Politicians of the major parties have given in to this shame culture by doing their utmost to avoid being labelled ‘Populist’.

For years, the left have used subtle yet effective ways of blocking dissent and any form of challenge to their policies relating to energy, identity politics, and welfare.

My latest in The Spectator Australia, One Nation supporters are the underdogs.

None of them get it – not journalists, academics, big business, policymakers, or the major parties.

One Nation supporters are Australia’s underdogs.

They’re not Menzies’ forgotten people or Howard’s battlers. They’re not bound by ideology or class.

Their BS meter has simply… pic.twitter.com/Kbj2MhnFWN

— The Spectator Australia (@SpectatorOz) June 28, 2026

Life on the DMZ: A Personal Photo Essay

A guard post on the North West Islands, about 15km from North Korea

My talk to the Crookwell Rotary Club — 16 June 2026

On a crisp June evening I had the pleasure of speaking to the Crookwell Rotary Club about one of the most confronting and inspiring places I’ve visited in recent years: the Korean Demilitarized Zone.

The talk, “Life on the DMZ: A Personal Perspective,” was a photo essay drawn from multiple visits to the frontier that still divides the Korean peninsula. It was a privilege to share these images and stories with a room full of people who understand service, resilience, and community — values that feel very much at home in the Southern Tablelands.

Why the DMZ?

I’ve been exploring the Demilitarised Zone between the two Koreas for the last few years to understand what it is like to live at the frontier of freedom.

The North Korean propaganda village, as seen from South Korea

The contrast between North and South is confronting. It gives one a profound sense of gratitude for the lifestyles we enjoy in the West — and makes clear how important it is that we actively defend our way of life.

Personal Connections — Korea Military Academy

The Korean  military Academy

At an Asia Society Korea event in Seoul I met Colonel Steve Tharp (US Army), Colonel Honki Jee (ROK Army), and retired Lieutenant General In-Bum Chun.

After the session, General Chun approached me, thanked me for my service, and said:

“Thank you for the 340 Australians who lost their lives so that we could create this,” gesturing out the window toward the metropolis of Seoul below.

That moment crystallised the living legacy of Australia’s sacrifice in the Korean War.

Our friend Colonel Jee and his name on the graduation list.

Observatories and the View Across the Divide

With Colonel Tharp at Dora.

Dora Observatory, on Dorasan in Paju-si, is one of the closest public vantage points for viewing North Korea. The detailed topographic model helps orient visitors to the guard posts, villages, and terrain on both sides of the DMZ.

The view at Ganwha Peace Observatory.

Further west, Gangwha Peace Observatory offers another powerful perspective on the division.

Life on the Islands – YP-Do and Coastal Defence

Guard Post at YP-Do

Yeonpyeong Island (YP-Do) and the Northwest Islands are among the most exposed parts of South Korea’s frontier. Here, old Sherman tank guns have been repurposed as coastal artillery, and modern K9 howitzers stand ready.

Re-purposed Sherman tank gun on YP-Do.

The islands show the constant state of readiness that defines life on the DMZ.

The tunnel to get to the coastal artillery.

The Constant Threat of Landmines

Even decades after the Korean War, the danger remains real. Warning signs like these are common near the DMZ. In December 2023 a man in his sixties was killed when his excavator triggered a Korean War-era landmine while working on his property.

Landmines are a persistent threat.

I wasn't joking around.

The 3rd Infiltration Tunnel and surrounding areas are stark reminders that this frontier is still very much a live military zone.

The third tunnel exhibition is rather touristie, but don't be fooled!

R&R – The Human Side of South Korea

While the DMZ commands respect and vigilance, everyday life in South Korea is vibrant and full of colour. Korean baseball (KBO), hearty meals, and the ritual of Cass beer, soju, and makgeolli provided wonderful moments of R&R between visits to the frontier.

Cass beer, soju, and makgeolli. What's not to like?

Jamsil Stadium is an institution. Grateful for Colonels Tharp (pictured) and Jee (taking the photo).

Korean food is the greatest. Pork hock.

Korean food and drink are the best. The end.

The Mapo Wine Club is an institution. What an excellent evening! Thank you, Gentlemen!

Defending Memory

At Jayu (Freedom) Park in Incheon stands the statue of General Douglas MacArthur, honoured for the 1950 Incheon Landing. In 2005 progressive activists tried to have it removed. Korean War veterans mobilised in large numbers to physically defend it. The statue remains standing today — a powerful example of a nation that refuses to forget its friends.

General Macarthur statue at Incheon Freedom Park.

Life on the DMZ is a frontier of freedom that still shapes lives today.

It was an honour to share these photographs and reflections with the Crookwell Rotary Club. In a regional community like ours, the values of service, mateship, and quiet resilience feel very close to the stories of the Korean people and the legacy of the 340 Australians who gave their lives in the Korean War.

Freedom is not free.

Thank you to everyone who came along, asked thoughtful questions, and stayed for a chat afterwards. These conversations matter.

Lest we forget.

Pauline Hanson came, saw, and conquered Canberra

Pauline kept on as if nothing had happened. One Nation later joked they wish they’d thought of it!

The National Press Club this week attempted to show its liberal democratic credentials by giving the One Nation leader a national platform.

I was hoping it would be a win-win situation for Pauline Hanson.

If the journos got the best of her, more sympathisers would be on her side. If she won over the journos, she would have shifted the party into new territory. But nobody could predict that she would win, and win, and then win big in Canberra.

In the Morning Double Shot newsletter, Terry Barnes wrote:

Our Press Gallery correspondent, Michael de Percy, was at the Press Club on Wednesday, and asked Pauline Hanson a question as one of her media interrogators. As an accredited Gallery journo, Michael had a box seat to the proceedings, and he’s shared his impressions of the lunch, Hanson and her performance. It’s probably fair to say he’s had a Pauline conversion. And, as Rowan said on Sky, Michael’s question was excellent.

My latest in The Spectator Australia, Pauline Hanson came, saw, and conquered Canberra.

A blow by blow account of Pauline Hanson's Press Club address from my front row seat. https://t.co/t0CWlIsa4d

— Dr Michael de Percy (@FlaneurPolitiq) June 18, 2026