A session of the Australian Senate was thrown into disarray and ultimately suspended after a far-right politician staged a controversial protest by wearing a full-face burqa into the chamber.
Parliamentary Proceedings Halted
The incident occurred on Monday 24 November 2025, when Pauline Hanson, the leader of the One Nation party, entered the Senate dressed in the traditional Muslim garment. Her actions prompted an immediate response from parliamentary officials.
When asked to remove the face covering, Senator Hanson refused. This defiance led to her being formally barred from the chamber for the remainder of the day's proceedings, causing a suspension of over an hour as the situation was dealt with.
Widespread Condemnation and Justification
The political stunt was met with swift and severe criticism from colleagues across the political spectrum. Senators from all major parties described her behaviour as 'abhorrent and disrespectful', with some accusing her of blatant racism.
In her defence, Senator Hanson claimed she wore the burqa to highlight concerns about national security and the alleged mistreatment of women within some communities. However, when pressed, she was unable to cite any specific security incidents to substantiate her claims.
Fuel for Hostility and a Bid for Relevance
The move was strongly criticised by Independent senator Fatima Payman and the government's Islamophobia envoy, Aftab Malik. They warned that such a public and provocative act serves only to increase hostility and discrimination towards Muslim women in Australia.
Critics have suggested the stunt was less about genuine policy concerns and more a calculated bid for media attention and political relevance, exploiting cultural and religious divisions for publicity.
