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, here’s the comparison. Pauline Hanson: Bills originated and passed into law: zero. Her great parliamentary hits include: • a failed COVID vaccination bill • a failed burqa ban • a failed immigration plebiscite • endless motions, stunts and tantrums that generate headlines and but no actual law Her own political legacy is mostly framed around: • blocking other people’s legislation • forcing inquiries • leveraging crossbench numbers • 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... • legislating the 43% emissions reduction target • 10 days paid domestic violence leave • cheaper childcare through a higher subsidy cap • energy price caps on gas and coal • household energy bill relief • establishing the National Anti-Corruption Commission • the Help to Buy shared equity housing scheme • banning foreign purchases of existing homes • wiping billions in student debt • full school funding reform • RBA reform • the under-16 social media ban • the Future Made in Australia manufacturing package • criminalising wage theft • lifting minimum wages for the lowest paid • delivering two consecutive budget surpluses • EV fringe benefits tax exemptions • aged care pay rises • support for nurse and midwife wage rises • legislated super on paid parental leave Parliamentary attendance rate: 83%. And that’s 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 she’s 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.