Pauline Hanson, leader of One Nation, has sparked debate by stating that certain Australian suburbs make visitors feel unwelcome and unsafe, specifically naming Lakemba in Sydney’s south-west, home to one of the country’s largest Muslim communities.
Hanson’s Comments on Lakemba
In a recent TV interview, Hanson expressed concern over areas where some Australians hesitate to visit. ‘It concerns me greatly that people can’t go into certain suburbs in this country,’ she said. ‘And I’ve been there myself and you feel unwanted, you do not want to be there.’
When asked to specify, she replied, ‘Lakemba. Lakemba. Have you been there?’
Backtracking on Broader Remarks
Hanson recently suggested in another interview that there are ‘no good Muslims’ and warned of risks from increased Islamic immigration. On Wednesday, she clarified her position, stating, ‘No, I don’t genuinely believe that.’ She noted that a non-practising Muslim woman had run for One Nation.
She added a conditional apology: ‘If I’ve offended anyone out there that doesn’t believe in Sharia law or multiple marriages or wants to bring ISIS brides in or people from Gaza who believes in the caliphate… then I apologise to you for my comment.’
However, she stood firm on larger issues: ‘But in general, that’s what they want: a world caliphate and I’m not going to apologise.’
Responses from Community Leaders
Shadi Alsuleiman, president of the Australian National Imams Council, condemned the remarks as based on misinformation. ‘For many years, she has made inaccurate and harmful statements rather than genuine engagement,’ he said. ‘Muslims have contributed positively to the growth and advancement of this nation and continue to do so with pride and commitment.’
Hanson rejected such criticism, countering, ‘Of course they’re going to say that, but I’ve heard more hateful things coming out of the mouths of imams giving their sermons on the streets of Sydney, and other places in Australia, but nothing’s been said about that.’
Political Reactions
Nationals MP Matt Canavan criticized Hanson as unfit to lead her party. ‘This statement from Pauline was divisive, inflammatory,’ he told a morning program. ‘It’s un-Australian, totally un-Australian for someone to say that of those 800,000 Australians who are Muslim, there’s no good people among them.’
Background on Hanson and One Nation
Hanson’s views echo past speeches, including her 2016 Senate maiden address claiming Australia was being ‘swamped by Muslims,’ reminiscent of her 1996 warning about ‘Asians.’ She also faced backlash for wearing a burqa in the Senate.
Recent polls show One Nation gaining traction, with a 27 percent primary vote compared to the opposition’s 18 percent.
