Question Time AU

General Debate

Australia: Racism

Senate · Tuesday 2 September 2025

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

Senator Pauline Hanson sought to make a statement responding to a previous motion on social cohesion, arguing that she had been unfairly prevented from speaking. She defended public demonstrations against mass migration and criticised the Greens for their stance on these protests and their support for other causes. Senator Tim Ayres moved to end the debate to allow the chamber to proceed with other business. The motion to conclude the debate was agreed to.

Outcome

The motion to end the debate was agreed to.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Pauline Hanson (QLD) (Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party) One Nation

Hanson argued that she had been denied the right to speak on a previous motion regarding social cohesion. Hanson defended Australians who protested against mass migration, stating they were exercising their right to oppose government policies and support national unity. Hanson criticised the Greens for allegedly misrepresenting these peaceful demonstrations and for supporting protests related to Middle Eastern terrorism. Hanson claimed that high immigration levels were contributing to housing shortages and homelessness, and that the Greens sought to silence dissent against their agenda.

Government response

Tim Ayres (Minister for Industry and Innovation; Minister for Science) ALP NSW

Ayres moved that the motion be put immediately to allow the chamber to progress to other matters. Ayres argued that the current debate should conclude so that the Senate could address issues he considered more significant for Australian people. No further substantive policy arguments were presented in his contribution.