Sam Dastyari (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing—

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Hinch on a point of order.

Derryn Hinch (Victoria, Derryn Hinch's Justice Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, we've been assured by you that the clerk has identified this person here as Senator Hanson. I would like to know: if Senator Hanson can stay here unchallenged—I understand that she's not a Muslim and she is not of Islamic faith—can I appear tomorrow in fancy dress unchallenged?

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My rulings have always been, Senator Hinch, that I'm not going to dictate the standard of dress for senators in this chamber. I believe senators should be making their own decisions about their standard of dress. I will enforce the rules in relation to advertising material or in relation to inappropriate attire such as pyjamas and things like that, which has happened in the past. But, as I indicated, I'm going to reflect on the situation we have before us. I don't want to make a decision or a rash statement about that at the moment. And I'll be happy to entertain, outside of question time, senators' views about the matter. We'll proceed with question time. I call Senator Dastyari.

Sam Dastyari (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Brandis. I believe I have a very timely question for you. Yesterday the United States Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, released the International religious freedom report for 2016, which listed One Nation as a risk to religious freedom. Does the government agree with the Trump administration's assessment?

George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I haven't read it, Senator Dastyari.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Dastyari on a supplementary question.

Sam Dastyari (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

A real Liberal would condemn this, Minister.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

To your question, Senator Dastyari.

Sam Dastyari (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Has the United States government communicated its concern about the risk that One Nation poses to religious freedom to the Australian government? This is the risk that was clearly outlined in the International religious freedom report for 2016 that has been in all media today.

George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Dastyari, first of all, if I may return to your primary question, you asked me to comment on a document that I have not read and with which I am not familiar. I do not know whether or not the Australian government has received a communication of that kind from the American government, but I will inquire.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Dastyari on a final supplementary question.

Sam Dastyari (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

What measures is the Turnbull government considering in response to the Trump administration's assessment that One Nation is a risk to religious freedom?

George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Dastyari, as I said in answer to your earlier questions, I am not familiar with the document and therefore I will not be commenting on it. However, if I may address for a moment the broader issue, the Turnbull government, like all Australian governments—I dare say—on both sides of the aisle, is very strongly committed to religious freedom. And indeed, might I point out to you that our Constitution contains an explicit constitutional protection of religious freedom in section 116. As well, Senator Dastyari, as you know, Australia is a state party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which also contains strong expressions of support for and protection of religious freedom.