The Australian Senate has voted to censure One Nation leader Pauline Hanson over what were described as racist comments about Muslim people. Hanson dismissed the motion as a “joke” and a “stunt” before walking out of the chamber. The Coalition did not support the censure, with only two of its senators backing the motion.
During the debate, an emotional Labor senator Penny Wong spoke about the impact of Hanson’s remarks. The censure motion was passed with the support of the government and crossbench senators, but the opposition’s lack of support drew criticism from some quarters.
Hanson’s comments, made earlier this week, sparked widespread condemnation from political leaders and community groups. The censure is a symbolic rebuke and does not carry any formal penalties.
