James Ashby, chief of staff for One Nation, said former Labor minister Stephen Conroy that the party intends to dismantle his public image [1].

The confrontation highlights the intensifying friction between One Nation and the Albanese government as the party seeks to aggressively challenge federal budget policies [1, 2].

Ashby directed his criticism toward Conroy during commentary on the federal budget, framing the dispute as a broader battle against Labor's economic direction [1]. The exchange escalated when Ashby used a metaphor regarding paint stripper to describe the party's intended approach to Conroy's political reputation [1].

"Well, Stephen thinks they’ve only lost a little bit of paint by the time One Nations finished with you, we are going to rub you down in paint stripper and make sure we show you up for exactly what you are," Ashby said [1].

Ashby said that this level of scrutiny and opposition would be sustained for the next two years [1]. He concluded the warning by saying there would be "nothing left of you" [1].

One Nation continues to target high-profile Labor figures who support the current administration's budget [2]. This strategy is part of a larger effort to oppose the fiscal policies of the Albanese government, and highlight perceived failures in their economic management [1, 2].

“"there’s going to be nothing left of you."”

The aggressive rhetoric used by One Nation signals a strategy of high-visibility conflict to gain traction against the Albanese government. By targeting a former minister like Stephen Conroy, the party is attempting to personalize the budget debate and frame the government's economic policies as a point of extreme political vulnerability ahead of future electoral cycles.