Democracy in Colour strongly condemns the highly offensive and Islamophobic stunt perpetrated by Pauline Hanson in the Senate on the 24th of November 2025, where proceedings were temporarily suspended after she wore a burka into the chamber. The stunt, which Hanson also did in 2017, is a clear demonstration of a politically bankrupt agenda focused solely on hate.
“This stunt was a textbook example of political bankruptcy,” said Noura Mansour, National Director of Democracy in Colour. “When parties like One Nation have nothing of substance to offer the Australian public, their go-to strategy is always to pick on and bully marginalised and racialised communities. Their agenda isn’t policy; it’s just pure, cynical hate speech designed to stay relevant.”
Democracy in Colour rejects the Islamophobia inherent in the stunt, viewing it as a desperate attempt by a political entity with no social or political agenda. Actions like this carry serious consequences. By normalising hostility towards Muslim Australians on the floor of our highest legislature, they embolden the rise in neo-Nazis and far-right movements and the dangerous increase in their activities across the country.
“The lack of consistent, meaningful government response to these kinds of hateful antics is deeply concerning,” Mansour added. “When parliamentary actions normalise Islamophobia, it gives a green light to hate groups. We need more than just an occasional slap on the wrist; we need a consistent, systemic response to tackle racism and hate speech at its roots.”
Democracy in Colour supports the national anti-racism framework, but stresses that this must be paired with immediate, decisive action. The time for political grandstanding that targets minorities must end.
We call on all Australians to actively reject and challenge all forms of racism in their communities. We urge the Federal Government to commit to an independent, legally-binding National Anti-Racism Strategy with clear timeline, targets and funding, and to follow the lead of impacted communities by implementing mandatory anti-racism and cultural competency training for all elected officials and parliamentary staff.
We also call on the Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission to look into this stunt and action immediately as this is a clear breach of the parliamentary code of conduct. This is the time to stand up for genuine democracy, which is inclusive of all Australians.
ENDS
Media Contact: Kristyn Maslog-Levis kristyn@democracyincolour.org