Pauline Hanson Queensland, Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party
2:24 pm
I'm quite happy to remove this, because this is not what should belong in this parliament. My question is to—
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate
I am awaiting the question.
Pauline Hanson Queensland, Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party
My question is to Senator Brandis, the Attorney-General. Senator Brandis, in light of the national security of this nation, will you work—
Pauline Hanson Queensland, Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party
to ban the burqa in Australia, considering—
Stephen Parry President
Just a moment, Senator Hanson. I need to hear the question, so can I have some order on my left and my right. Senator Hanson, commence your question again.
Pauline Hanson Queensland, Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party
In light of what is happening with national security—there have been 13 foiled national threats against us from terrorism, three that have been successful, and Australians have lost their lives. Terrorism is a true threat to our country, and many Australians are very much in fear of it. What I would like to ask on behalf of the Australian people—considering a large majority of Australians wish to see the banning of the burqa—our two former prime ministers, Julia Gillard— (Time expired).
Sam Dastyari NSW, Australian Labor Party
You're the risk.
Senator Ian Macdonald interjecting—
George Brandis Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General
2:25 pm
Senator Hanson, no, we will not be banning the burqa. Now, Senator Hanson, I am not going to pretend to ignore the stunt that you have tried to pull today by arriving in the chamber dressed in a burqa when we all know that you are not an adherent of the Islamic faith. I would caution you and counsel you, Senator Hanson, with respect, to be very, very careful of the offence you may do to the religious sensibilities of other Australians. We have about half a million Australians in this country of the Islamic faith, and the vast majority of them are law-abiding, good Australians. Senator Hanson, it is absolutely consistent being a good, law-abiding Australian and being a strict-adherent Muslim.
Senator Hanson, for the last four years I have had responsibility, pre-eminently among the ministers, subject to the Prime Minister, for national security policy. And, I can tell you, Senator Hanson, that it has been the advice of each Director-General of Security with whom I have worked, and each Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police with whom I have worked that it is vital for their intelligence and law enforcement work that they work cooperatively with the Muslim community. To ridicule that community, to drive it into a corner, to mock its religious garments is an appalling thing to do, and I would ask you to reflect on what you have done.
Unidentified interjection - Hansard doesn't record who said this
Honourable Senators:
Honourable senators interjecting—
Stephen Parry President
Order! Order, senators. Senators on my left, please resume your seats. Senator Wong on a point of order?
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate
If I could, by leave, make a very short statement.
Stephen Parry President
Senator Hanson, are you objecting to leave being granted?
Pauline Hanson Queensland, Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party
Yes, I am.
Leave not granted.
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate
My point of order is this: if I had the opportunity, I would move to congratulate the leader of the government for that statement. And I make this point on behalf of all of us on this side of the chamber: it is one thing to wear religious dress as a sincere act of faith; it is another to wear it as a stunt here in the Senate chamber.
Stephen Parry President
There is no point of order. Senator Hanson, a supplementary question?
Pauline Hanson Queensland, Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party
2:29 pm
Is the Attorney-General aware that the burqa is not a religious requirement at all? Will the Attorney-General then ban the burqa in this house for the future as a security risk. Also, the fact is that the people of Australia have the right to see the face of a person that they elect to this parliament. They are the person who is actually going to be making decisions in the parliament on their behalf.
Stephen Parry President
Senator Hanson, it is in the purview of the Presiding Officers, not the Attorney-General, to determine what happens as far as security is concerned within Parliament House. The Speaker and I have made arrangements that anyone who enters these premises with their face covered by whatever means is clearly identified prior to entering the building. Further, when you entered the chamber dressed as you were, I wanted to ascertain who you were and that was verified to me. I make no further comment about the dress you wore. Attorney-General, do you have a comment you wish to make in relation to that matter?
Pauline Hanson Queensland, Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party
2:30 pm
If a person wears a balaclava or a helmet into a bank or any other building or even on the floor of the court, they must be removed. Why is it not the same case for someone who is covering up their face and cannot be identified? Will the government make changes to these laws?