The Australian Federal Police (AFP) have confirmed receiving a complaint following remarks by One Nation leader Pauline Hanson questioning whether there were “good Muslims” in Australia.
Hanson made the comments during a Feb. 16 appearance on Sky News while discussing women linked to ISIS attempting to come to Australia from Syria.
“You say, ‘Well, there’s good Muslims out there.’ How can you tell me there are good Muslims?” she said.
The comments drew criticism, including from former Muslim One Nation candidate Emma Eros, who told Radio 2GB she was disappointed.
“It’s just a ridiculous statement to make,” she said.
Canterbury-Bankstown Mayor Bilal El-Hayek, who represents Lakemba, called for Hanson to be charged under hate speech laws.
“When you look at the hate speech laws, they’re quite clear,” he told ABC Radio.
“There is a specific reference made of public incitement of hatred, discrimination, or violence against particular groups based on race, religion, or gender.
“Clearly, her latest target was Muslim people and I have no doubt that her remarks will incite someone.”
Opposition leader Angus Taylor told reporters he disagreed with Hanson’s remarks, while new One Nation recruit Barnaby Joyce stated there were “good Muslims” in Australia.
An AFP spokesperson said the agency was aware of the comments.
“The AFP has received reports of crime in relation to this matter. Further comment will be made at an appropriate time,” they said.
On Feb. 20, Hanson issued a statement acknowledging reports that a complaint had been made to the AFP.
“They’re trying to use Labor’s new hate speech laws to put me back in jail,” she said.
“Let me send a very clear message to those within Labor and the left side of politics. Stop gaslighting the Australian public.
“None of us have forgotten what happened at Bondi prior to Christmas. We also haven’t forgotten what occurred at the Lindt Cafe, or to Curtis Cheng.”
Hanson said if Australia “doesn’t speak up now,” she believed the nation would “fall victim to the same issues being experienced across Europe, the UK, Canada, and other western societies.”
At the federal level, the Criminal Code Act 1995 includes offences relating to urging violence against groups defined by race, religion, or ethnicity, which can carry criminal penalties if proven.
Hanson was jailed in 2003 over electoral fraud charges relating to party membership claims used to obtain public funding. Her convictions were later overturned.
