Pauline Hanson (Queensland, Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party) Share this | Hansard source

by leave—I just want to say thank you to my fellow senators in supporting this motion to do with Senator Thorpe. Yes, it does need to be a safe workplace for everyone in this chamber, but I cannot believe the way the Greens have now voted against this motion. They've admitted that they don't agree with her behaviour in this chamber. This is not the first time; this is continual. People must understand what has happened in this chamber.

I differ with Senator Thorpe on her policies, but it's a robust place where we must have the opportunity to discuss our policies and put them forward in whatever way we want, to represent the people of Australia to the best of our ability in what we think is right. People don't realise the intimidation I've found over a period of time. This is why I find it laughable to hear what Senator Waters has just said about my intimidation of other senators in this place, saying that I am causing them harm in the workplace. I reject that comment totally.

Senator Thorpe, when she left the Greens, actually asked to be sat right beside me. She asked for that seat there, where Senator Lambie used to sit. Why would she want to sit beside me? During that period of time—you, President, didn't know this—there were barbs and jibes and everything directed at me constantly that I had to deal with. I eventually said, 'Please move her from close to me.' No-one was prepared to do it, so I had to move across here to distance myself, because I knew the issue that was happening. I was told: 'Go back where you came from. You wouldn't know, you white colonialist. You have the privileges. You have no idea.' These were all while I was directing a question to the minister on education. This has been constantly happening here, so don't tell me that I've done anything. I completely ignored her and I was happy to move from my seat to stop the aggression and problems that were happening in the Senate. I've actually tried to behave.

I respect this chamber and what it represents. This is the heart of our democracy, but each and every one of you knows that, since Senator Thorpe has been in this place, it has been the downfall of this chamber because of her aggression, calling each and every one of us who is white colonialists who have stolen the land. That's not what this place is about, and that's why I'm pleased to see this. Something had to be done to rein in what has been happening in the chamber. There's been aggression that's been shown by Senator Thorpe to many senators in this place. I was also shirtfronted in this chamber by Senator Thorpe. I will say to the Greens: it's one of your mates, I know. You got her elected to this place, but stick with the facts, which I always try to do in this place.

This has to be a safe workplace. I appreciate the senators who have come up to me today and said, 'Are you okay?' I really appreciate that. I am okay. I've had to get a bloody tough skin over these years, and I've toughened up. But it's not about me here; it's about our workplace. We have a right to work and feel safe in our environment and not feel intimidated or threatened. That's what it's about. What irritates me is that the Greens are out there championing the workplace for women. What am I? Am I not a woman? Shouldn't I be protected as well, or is it only when it suits you? That's not good enough.

I hope this does send a clear message to Senator Thorpe. She's been given the opportunity to hold a very special place in this parliament and to act on behalf of all Australians who want clear, decisive representation with equality—it's not about race. That's what I'm here for. I reach out to Senator Thorpe and ask her to do the same. People want representatives who will do the best for all of us as Australians.