SBS News visited communities in the NSW electorate of Hunter to examine growing support for One Nation and leader Pauline Hanson while exploring public reactions to her recent comments calling for Australia to become 'monocultural' rather than multicultural.

Many residents expressed frustration with Labor and the Coalition over cost-of-living pressures, housing affordability and immigration levels, with some former Labor voters considering switching their support to One Nation.

However, even several One Nation supporters said they were uncertain about what Hanson meant by 'monoculturalism' and rejected any interpretation that would resemble a return to a White Australia policy.Others said they supported multiculturalism while believing immigration numbers should be reduced.

The article also features local business owner Seng Lim, who says he has not experienced worsening racism despite Hanson's popularity in the area, and voters who questioned whether One Nation could deliver on its promises.

Sociology professor Andrew Jakubowicz argued Hanson's description of monoculturalism was inconsistent with the concept itself and suggested the values she outlined more closely reflected multiculturalism.

Polling discussed in the report indicates One Nation's support softened slightly following Hanson's National Press Club speech, although dissatisfaction with the major parties remains significant.

Political researcher Simon Welsh said concerns about immigration are widespread, but many voters still strongly support multiculturalism, creating a potential challenge for One Nation if it frames immigration primarily as a cultural rather than numerical issue.

The report concludes that Hunter remains an important electorate to watch as economic concerns and political dissatisfaction continue to shape voting intentions.