One Nation Leader Pauline Hanson wears a burqa in the Senate chamber at Parliament House in Canberra, Monday, November 24, 2025. (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas) NO ARCHIVING
URGENT UPDATE: One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has been suspended from the Australian Senate following a controversial stunt where she entered the chamber wearing a burqa on November 24, 2023. This shocking incident halted Senate proceedings for over an hour and a half, creating chaos during the crucial final parliamentary week of the year.
Hanson’s defiance escalated when she repeatedly ignored orders from Senate President Sue Lines to remove the garment. Lines took the unprecedented step of suspending the entire sitting, effectively halting all debate as tensions flared among senators.
The spectacle drew immediate reactions from her colleagues, many of whom expressed outrage at the disruption. The incident echoed a similar stunt from 2017, intensifying the ongoing debate over face coverings in Australia.
In a bold move, Hanson later took to social media, labeling her fellow senators “hypocrites” for blocking her attempt to introduce a bill aimed at banning all face coverings. This clash not only highlights the division within the Senate but also raises significant questions about freedom of expression and the implications of such legislative measures.
The atmosphere in the chamber turned tense as Senators grappled with the implications of Hanson’s actions. Many viewed her entrance as a deliberate provocation, underscoring the ongoing cultural and political tensions surrounding immigration and identity in Australia.
What happens next is critical. The Senate will reconvene soon, and all eyes will be on how this incident influences future discussions on legislation regarding face coverings. The fallout from this incident may reverberate through the remaining weeks of parliament and beyond, as both supporters and critics of Hanson weigh in on the implications of her actions.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as Australia navigates the complex intersection of politics, culture, and freedom of expression. Share your thoughts on this controversial incident—how do you view Hanson’s protest and its impact on Australian society?
