A Labor defector has erupted at Pauline Hanson in a vicious spray, accusing the One Nation leader of racism and claiming she brings ‘disgrace to the human race’.
Fatima Payman, who left Labor to set up her own party, was speaking after Senator Hanson attempted to table a document raising Senator Payman’s possible Afghan citizenship as a reason for her to be excluded from parliament on Wednesday morning.
Section 44c of the Australian constitution prevents anyone holding a citizenship of another country from sitting in parliament.
However, Senator Payman has previously sought legal advice confirming she has can stand as a Sentator because she has taken all possible steps to renounce her Afghan citizenship, which the Taliban-controlled state has not yet finalised.
Senator Payman used the Senate to accuse Senator’s Hanson of racism.
‘Senator Hanson has worn the burqa in this place. Maybe it’s time she pack her burqa and go to Afghanistan and talk to the Taliban about this,’ Senator Payman seethed.
‘All that Senator Hanson has done in this place is spread hatred, spread division.
‘I am very honoured that I live rent free in Senator Hanson’s mind, but I think you’ve got better things to do than worry about Section 44.’
Fatima Payman (pictured), who left Labor to set up her own party, was speaking after Senator Hanson attempted to table a document raising Senator Payman’s possible Afghan citizenship as a reason for her to be excluded from parliament on Wednesday morning
Senator Payman used the Senate to accuse Senator’s Hanson (pictured) of racism
The senator also listed multiple previous comments made by Senator Hanson, including her first speech in which she said Australia was ‘in danger of being swamped by Asians’ and that ‘Aboriginality would no longer exist’ if her party were in power.
‘If that is not racist, what is it?’ Senator payman yelled as she slammed her fist down on the table.
Independent Ralph Babet could be seen over Senator Payman’s left hand shoulder, trying to contain his shock.
‘Oh it’s not racist?’, Senator Payman added, sarcastically. ‘Somebody bring the dictionary because Senator Hanson does not know the definition of racism.’
‘The fact that you would say just weeks ago to Senator Faruqi, “piss off back to Pakistan”, you’re not just vindictive, mean, nasty, you bring disgrace to the human race. No dignity whatsoever as a senator in this prestigious place.’
Lidia Thorpe could be heard repeatedly shouting ‘You are a convicted racist!’
Senator Hanson, who was sitting within touching distance from Senator Payman, calmly asked the speaker for the accusation of racism to be withdrawn.
More to come.
