One Nation Senator Pauline Hanson has been lambasted by politicians across the political sphere after she controversially donned a burqa in parliament.
It is the second time Hanson has worn the garment in parliament in an attempt to make a point regarding the wearing of religious face coverings.
Hanson last wore the burqa in parliament in 2017, when she also sought to have it banned.
In explaining her decision, Hanson said it came about after her attempt to even have the bill introduced or debated was blocked.
“The fact is more than 20 countries around the world have banned the burqa because they recognise it as a tool that oppresses women, poses a national security risk, encourages radical Islam, and threatens social cohesion.
Criticism Flows
Hanson has received criticism from a number of politicians, including Labor MP Julian Hill who delivered a scathing video rebuke on X.Hill called the move “boring.”
“It’s from her same old tired, racist playbook,” he said.
“She does this deliberately, to offend people and create outrage.
“She just [expletive] on groups of her fellow Australians when it suits her.”
Former Labor Senator Fatima Payman told ABC News Breakfast that Labor was “asleep at the wheel” and should have removed Hanson from the chamber earlier.
“There wasn’t just me but so many other senators felt unsafe and disrespected by such behaviour,” she said.
“The government definitely needs to do a lot more when it comes to upholding the principles of the Senate.”
Criticism did not just arrive from the political left, however.
Nationals Senator Matt Canavan told Sky News Australia that Hanson had turned the chamber into a “circus.”
Meanwhile, former Liberal Attorney-General George Brandis told ABC Radio that Hanson’s burqa stunt cost her public support in 2017, and could cost the party again despite recent surges in the polls.
“It didn’t work then,” he said.
“After that episode in 2017, One Nation’s support actually fell in the opinion polls.
“And I expect that that will happen again.”
