One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has sparked widespread condemnation after wearing a burqa in the Senate, repeating a controversial stunt from 2017. The move, intended to push for a ban on the Muslim face covering, led to her ejection from the chamber and forced a suspension of proceedings.
Senators from all parties criticised Hanson's actions. Nationals senator Matt Canavan said she had “debased” parliament, while independent Fatima Payman, who is Muslim and wears a hijab, accused her of “disrespecting Muslim Australians”. Greens leader Larissa Waters called the stunt an “insult”, and Labor Senate leader Penny Wong said it was “not worthy” of parliament.
Hanson was denied leave to introduce a private senator's bill to ban the burqa, after which she left and returned wearing the garment. She claimed the burqa posed a national security risk but could not cite any specific incidents. The special envoy for Islamophobia, Aftab Malik, warned the stunt could deepen safety risks for Muslim women who choose to wear the burqa.
The Senate resumed after more than an hour's suspension, with some senators reportedly discussing a formal censure motion against Hanson. The incident drew comparisons to her 2017 stunt, which then-senator George Brandis condemned as “an appalling thing to do”.
