Plibersek Condemns Hanson Burqa Stunt as Racist Distraction From Right-Wing Extremism

CANBERRA : Condemnation of Senator Pauline Hanson’s controversial decision to wear a burqa in the Australian Senate for the second time intensified today, with key government ministers joining the chorus of criticism that spanned the entire political spectrum.

The One Nation leader donned the full face covering yesterday, minutes after the government refused to grant her leave to introduce a bill aimed at banning such outfits in Australia.

Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek was among the most vocal critics this morning, calling the display “disappointing behaviour” and questioning the purpose of the stunt.

“I don’t remember the last time someone in a burqa robbed a bank,” Plibersek told Today, before pivoting to the real-world impact. “The only thing that she’s ensured today is that some schoolgirl wearing a headscarf is going to get bullied on the train on the way to school.”

Senator Lidia Thorpe reacts to Hanson’s attire.

Plibersek further accused Hanson of misdirecting national security concerns, noting she hadn’t joined the focus on right-wing extremism, which ASIO has identified as the “fastest growing source of danger in the Australian community.”

Employment Minister Amanda Rishworth dismissed the repeat performance as “shenanigans” typically seen during the final sitting week of parliament for the year.

Greens leader Larissa Waters doubled down on her condemnation from yesterday, branding the incident a “pathetic stunt.”

“I’m all for re-wearing outfits, but not when it’s an outfit that’s insulting to anyone of faith… It actually just fuels racism. It’s dangerous and pathetic,” Waters said.

The move has drawn rare bipartisan condemnation, with Nationals Senator Matt Canavan, Independent Senator Fatima Payman, and Australia’s Islamophobia envoy Aftab Malik all previously slamming the stunt.

Hanson, however, remained defiant in a press release yesterday afternoon, claiming her critics were “hypocrites.” She asserted her policy push was not about religion but about “community safety, national security, women’s rights, public civility and social cohesion.”