Pauline Hanson has dramatically reinforced her position after she labelled Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe a 'b****' during a heated and confrontational Senate debate. The One Nation leader asserted that she had been provoked by Thorpe, whom she compared to a 'banshee', referencing the mythical spirit infamous for its shrill and unsettling cries.
Hanson Issues Conditional Apology
In a formal statement released on Monday evening, Hanson declared, 'I apologise if the public heard me call Senator Thorpe a b****, however I don't take back what I said.' She emphasised that the Senate chamber should serve as a venue for reasoned debate, not incessant shouting and interruptions, which she attributed to Thorpe's conduct.
Criticism of Liberal Senator and Greens
Hanson then turned her ire towards Liberal Senator Dave Sharma, criticising his failure to discipline Thorpe in his capacity as acting Senate President. 'If the weak Liberal chair won't pull her up for screaming like a banshee, I will,' she stated firmly. Subsequently, she directed her fury at the Greens, Thorpe's former political party, accusing them of fostering division.
'Thorpe reminds us daily what the Greens represent in this Parliament. Division! It's never about the Australian people,' Hanson contended. 'Every single Green is cut from the same horrible cloth.'
Origin of the Senate Confrontation
The explosive clash erupted while Hanson was delivering a speech in support of recent US and Israeli military strikes on Iran. During her address, Thorpe repeatedly interjected, shouting accusations of dishonesty such as, 'You're lying!' Visibly exasperated, Hanson retorted by branding the Greens as 'un‑Australian'.
'This is your whole attitude. This is the Greens' attitude,' she asserted. 'The Greens are the most un‑Australian people here in the Senate. That is the most un‑Australian people, who do not fight for this country, our flag, our patriotism… nothing!'
Heated Exchanges and Personal Insults
Thorpe swiftly retaliated, telling the One Nation leader, 'Oh, sit down, sit down, sit down, you're an absolute disgrace.' Greens Senator Sarah Hanson‑Young also joined the verbal fray, heckling Hanson with the remark, 'What have you ever done for the Iranian refugees in this country? You're the one who hates Australia.'
Undeterred, Hanson pressed on, addressing the women with the retort, 'So immature. I wish you would actually start fighting for the Australian people.'
Aftermath and Final Remarks
As Thorpe returned to her seat, she called out across the chamber, alleging, 'She just called me a b****… I just got called a b**** by the racist.' Hanson departed the chamber shortly thereafter, delivering a parting shot at Thorpe: 'I will be glad to see the back end of you in this place in two years' time.'
This incident underscores the intense partisan divisions and personal animosities currently characterising parliamentary proceedings, with both sides exchanging sharp criticisms and refusing to back down from their positions.
