General Debate

Hanson, Senator Pauline Lee; Censure

Senate · Tuesday 25 November 2025

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

At a glance

The Senate debated a motion to censure Senator Pauline Hanson for wearing a burqa in the chamber, which was deemed disrespectful to Muslim Australians and a defiance of the President's ruling. The government moved the censure, while the coalition proposed an amendment to remove specific references to Senator Hanson and the censure itself, focusing instead on general principles of respect. The Greens supported the censure and called for broader anti-racism measures. Senator Hanson defended her actions as an attempt to debate a ban on face coverings. The Senate ultimately passed the censure motion and suspended Senator Hanson for seven sitting days.

Outcome

The Senate passed the censure motion and suspended Senator Hanson for seven sitting days.

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

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Penny Wong (SA) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

Senator Wong moved a motion to censure Senator Hanson, arguing that her actions vilified people based on religion and disrespected the Parliament. Wong stated that Senator Hanson refused to obey the President's ruling to remove the burqa and remained in the chamber after being suspended, defying the Senate's authority. Senator Wong emphasized that such behavior damages social cohesion and sets a poor example for the community. Wong indicated that if the censure passed, she would seek an apology from Senator Hanson and warned of further action under standing orders if the apology was unsatisfactory.

Opposition response

Anne Ruston (SA) (Liberal Party) Liberal

Senator Ruston moved an amendment to omit the specific censure of Senator Hanson and the requirement for an apology, retaining only the general affirmations of multicultural values and respect. Ruston argued that the suspension imposed the previous day was sufficient and that repealing the decision would undermine the President's authority. Senator Ruston stated that the coalition believed in upholding standards of behavior but preferred to focus on substantive issues affecting Australians rather than political stunts. Ruston emphasized that the amendment reaffirmed the importance of respect for all faiths and cultures without targeting a specific individual.

Mehreen Faruqi (NSW) (Australian Greens) Greens support

Senator Faruqi supported the censure motion, stating it was a necessary step to hold Senator Hanson accountable for decades of racism and Islamophobia. Faruqi criticized the coalition's amendment for removing specific references to the harm caused to Muslim Australians. Senator Faruqi called for the implementation of the National Anti-Racism Framework and mandatory antiracism training for parliamentarians. Faruqi argued that the motion should serve as a wake-up call to address systemic racism in Australia.
Bridget McKenzie (VIC) (National Party) Nationals support

Senator McKenzie supported the coalition's amendment, arguing that it affirmed Australia's multicultural values and the right to peaceful coexistence. McKenzie stated that pointing fingers and calling names did not advance the cause of unity. Senator McKenzie emphasized that freedom of religion and respectful debate are built on Judeo-Christian values and that the chamber should be a place for honest discussion on migration and values. McKenzie urged senators to support the amendment to uphold traditions of respectful debate.
Katy Gallagher (ACT) (Australian Labor Party) ALP support

Senator Gallagher supported the censure motion, stating that Senator Hanson's actions were wrong and hurtful to Muslim Australians. Gallagher corrected Senator Faruqi's assertion that the Senate had not responded to the Christchurch killings, noting that a motion had been passed at that time. Senator Gallagher argued that the Senate should stand together to reject vilification and unite the country. Gallagher moved that the question be put immediately to close the debate.
Pauline Hanson (QLD) (Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party) One Nation oppose

Senator Hanson rejected the censure motion, arguing that she was denied the right to debate a bill banning full-face coverings in public places. Hanson claimed that the Senate disregarded the views of the Australian people by preventing her from raising the issue. Senator Hanson stated that wearing the burqa was not a religious requirement but a cultural practice often imposed on women against their will. Hanson defended her respect for all faiths and criticized the Greens for their previous actions regarding the Palestinian flag.

Votes during this debate

Division 1: Hanson, Senator Pauline Lee; Censure Passed 46–5 Division 2: Hanson, Senator Pauline Lee; Censure Passed 39–27 Division 3: Hanson, Senator Pauline Lee; Censure Not passed 25–40 Division 4: Hanson, Senator Pauline Lee; Censure Passed 40–25 Division 5: Hanson, Senator Pauline Lee; Censure Passed 55–5

Opened by

Penny Wong (SA) (Australian Labor Party)

ALP

Speeches

9 speeches, 4 other contributors

Topics

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About Senate debates

The Senate debates bills, motions, matters of public importance and the answers given in Question Time. Senators from all parties and the crossbench take part, and a minister or the minister representing them usually replies for the government. Summaries are in reported speech, not transcripts; always check the official record before quoting.