The Senate was suspended for more than 1.5 hours on Monday after One Nation leader Pauline Hanson entered the chamber wearing a burka. The rare shutdown occurred during the final sitting week of the year, with proceedings resuming shortly before 6pm.
Senator Hanson, who is calling for a nationwide ban on burkas and face coverings, was sanctioned and prevented from entering the chamber for the rest of the day. When she refused to leave, Senate President Sue Lines suspended proceedings.
Independent senator Fatima Payman, the first woman to wear a hijab in parliament, described the stunt as 'abhorrent and disrespectful'. She said Hanson's actions were typical of her trying to stay relevant.
Islamophobia envoy Aftab Malik said Hanson's attempts to link the burka to national security were frustrating and would deepen safety risks for Australian Muslim women. He stated that all women should be free to choose what they wear.
This is the second time Senator Hanson has worn a burka in parliament, with a similar incident occurring in 2017.
