Pauline Hanson today staged an anti-burqa stunt during Question Time in the Senate.
The One Nation leader appeared in a burqa at 2.06pm. The Senate President, Senator Stephen Parry, said that her identity had been verified by parliamentary staff.
At 2.09pm, as online and social media began reporting on Hanson’s behaviour, Senator Derryn Hinch raised a point of order regarding dress requirements in the chamber.
At 2.25pm, Hanson rose to ask the Government Leader and Attorney-General, Senator George Brandis, whether the government would legislate to ban the burqa. Brandis delivered a stinging rebuke to Hanson and received a standing ovation from ALP and Greens senators.
Hanson used a supplementary question to ask whether the government would ban the burqa in the houses of parliament. Senate President Parry took the question, pointing out that such decisions are the province of the presiding officers.
The ALP leader, Senator Penny Wong, said she would like to have moved a motion of congratulations for Senator Brandis,
After her question, Hanson left the chamber.
2.06pm: Watch Senate President Stephen Parry make the first reference to Hanson’s appearance in a burqa (1m)
2.09pm: Watch Senator Derryn Hinch’s point of order (1m)
2.25pm: Watch Hanson’s question to Brandis (7m)
Hansard transcript of Senate Question Time proceedings.
The PRESIDENT: Senator Duniam, a supplementary question.
Senator DUNIAM (Tasmania) (14:06): What risks are there in a registered organisation donating money to the political campaigns of its own staff?
Senator Hanson having entered the chamber —
Senator DUNIAM: What on earth?
Honourable senators interjecting—