Hanson burqa stunt will lead to ‘abuse’ against women
Pauline Hanson’s “despicable” decision to wear a burqa in the Senate has been condemned by politicians across the region, following warnings that the move would fuel abuse and harassment of Muslim girls and women.
The One Nation leader entered the upper house in religious attire on Monday afternoon, shortly after failing to pass a bill banning the Islamic veil in public places.
Senator Hanson has been harshly criticized by the Greens, the coalition and parliamentary colleagues.
Independent senator Fatima Payman, who left the Labor Party over its stance on Palestine, said the behavior made others feel unsafe.
He told ABC News: “This… is an old trick that Pauline Hanson has pulled out of the bag. It’s very disrespectful, very un-Australian behaviour.”
Muslim Senator Payman said this demonstration would likely lead to school girls and women wearing headscarves being abused or attacked.
Cabinet minister Tanya Plibersek has highlighted the growing problem of right-wing extremism in Australia.
“I don’t remember the last time someone in a burqa robbed a bank, but I remember a few weeks ago there was a line of neo-Nazis standing outside the NSW Parliament,” he told ABC radio.
“Senator Hanson’s demonstration yesterday is a guarantee that a female student wearing a headscarf will be bullied on the train to school today. I don’t see how this helps anyone.”
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said the stunt weakened the controversial senator’s case and cheapened the country’s parliament.
“This is a reminder of how fragile One Nation’s politics are; they have to reignite desperate demonstrations,” he said.
“Australians deserve better and we will continue to focus on fighting on their behalf and holding the government to account.”
Senate President Sue Lines ordered Senator Hanson to leave the chamber, citing disrespect.
This is the second time Senator Hanson has worn a burqa in parliament.
After Senator Hanson first tried the stunt in the upper chamber in 2017, he was criticized by then-attorney general George Brandis, who called it “a terrible thing to do.”
Speaking about the latest incident, Mr Brandis described it as “despicable”.
“Every once in a while he dreams up a new stunt to make himself the center of political attention and debate,” he told ABC radio.
“This reminds people not only that the One Nation Party has nothing to offer the Australian people, but also that their politics are ugly and divisive.”
Asked about One Nation’s rise in popularity, Mr Brandis said he was “not too alarmed”.
Redbridge Group director and former Victorian Labor Party strategist Kos Samaras said “the persistent problem with right-wing populist groups is that it’s easy to protest.”
“This just makes the base too big,” he wrote on X.
“Sooner or later, you will have to project a serious alternative, not just an acrobatic show.”
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