Australian Senate Suspends Session After Pauline Hanson Wears Burqa

Australia – The Australian Senate was forced to suspend its session on Monday after right-wing Senator Pauline Hanson entered the chamber wearing a full black burka, attempting to reignite her long-running campaign for a nationwide ban on Muslim face coverings. The stunt immediately drew widespread condemnation from senators, who labelled her actions “racist”, “divisive”, and “deeply disrespectful”

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The move marked Hanson’s second burka performance inside Parliament, the first occurring in 2017, reviving criticism that the One Nation leader routinely resorts to theatrical stunts whenever her political relevance appears to wane.

Lawmakers described the incident as yet another attempt by Hanson to provoke outrage for political attention, rather than contribute to meaningful policy debate.

Strong Condemnation from Lawmakers

Senators Mehreen Faruqi and Fatima Payman led the response, calling Hanson’s act “blatant racism” and “disgraceful”. Foreign Minister Penny Wong reacted sharply, stating that Hanson was “not worthy to be a member of the Australian Senate”.

Colleagues also criticized the senator for targeting Muslim communities at a time when social cohesion is urgently needed. Many noted that Hanson has a long history of inflammatory statements, including her 1996 claim that Australia was being “swamped by Asians” and her 2016 claim that the country was being “swamped by Muslims”.

A Pattern of Divisive Political Theatre

Political analysts and senators noted that Hanson’s behavior fits a decades-long pattern in which she relies on shock tactics, confrontations, and walkouts to remain visible in national politics. Her 2017 burka stunt drew formal warnings and calls for suspension, with the chamber declaring that such actions undermine the dignity of Parliament.

On Monday, the pattern repeated. Hanson was censured and suspended for the remainder of the day, with several senators arguing that her theatrics have “no place in serious policymaking.”

Many criticized her for “lacking political substance” and relying on attacks against minorities, including Muslims, Asians, and Indigenous communities, to maintain relevance.

Public Backlash Highlights Growing Fatigue with Hate-Based Politics

Social media erupted in condemnation within minutes of the footage airing. Australians on X accused Hanson of Islamophobia, disrespecting nearly two billion Muslims worldwide, and exploiting cultural symbols for political gain.

Several users expressed embarrassment on behalf of the nation, questioning how a politician repeatedly criticized for racist and inflammatory rhetoric continues to hold a seat in Parliament. Others said that at a time of global tensions, leaders should be promoting unity, not amplifying fear or division.

One popular post stated:

 “Islamophobia must never become a political tool.”

Calls for Respect, Inclusion, and Responsible Leadership

Civil society groups and fellow lawmakers reiterated that targeting religious attire only deepens social divides. Many argued that Australia’s multicultural identity requires leaders who strengthen community bonds rather than exploit anxieties for political capital.

Observers said Hanson’s repeated burka stunts reflect a “recycled playbook” rather than constructive leadership, fueling hate instead of contributing to national progress.

As the Senate prepares to reconvene, the broader debate now focuses not on Hanson’s stunt itself, but on the responsibilities democratic institutions have in responding to rhetoric that targets vulnerable communities and threatens social harmony.