Canberra, February 19, 2026 – The Europe Today: Australia’s race discrimination watchdog has called for an apology after controversial remarks by hard-right lawmaker Pauline Hanson targeting Muslims sparked widespread criticism.
The leader of the One Nation party said during an interview with Sky News Australia on Monday that Australia should adopt a “tough stance” against Islam. “Their religion concerns me, because what it says in the Koran: they hate Westerners, and that’s what it’s all about,” Hanson stated.
She further questioned the notion of “good Muslims,” saying, “You say: ‘Oh, well, there’s good Muslims out there.’ Well, I’m sorry, how can you — you know — tell me there are good Muslims?”
Race Discrimination Commissioner Giridharan Sivaraman condemned the comments, warning that statements which “stigmatise and devalue” people risk increasing fear and deepening divisions within Australian society.
“To those who speak about the importance of social cohesion: you cannot build it by isolating, belittling, or casting suspicion on an entire group of Australians,” Sivaraman said in a statement, adding that unity begins with respect. He called on Senator Hanson to withdraw her remarks and apologize to Muslim Australians.
Hanson later appeared to soften her stance in comments to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), stating that she did not believe there were no “good Muslims.” However, she maintained that she was sorry only if she had offended those “that don’t believe in sharia law, or multiple marriages, or wants to bring ISIS brides in, or people from Gaza that believe in a caliphate.”
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke described Hanson’s remarks as “wrong and cruel,” saying they were unworthy of someone holding public office.
Recent opinion polls indicate growing support for One Nation, with the party reportedly eclipsing the main right-leaning opposition coalition of Liberal and National parties. However, it remains uncertain how polling figures might translate into electoral gains at the next federal election, which must be held by May 2028.
Currently, One Nation holds one seat in the 150-member House of Representatives and four seats in the 76-member Senate.
The controversy has reignited debate over religious tolerance, political rhetoric, and social cohesion in Australia’s multicultural society.
