The continuing debate surrounding Senator Pauline Hanson and One Nation reflects a broader sense of political dissatisfaction in Australia. For many Australians, economic pressures—including housing costs, food prices and the broader cost of living—remain significant concerns.
Against this background, Hanson has frequently placed Islam and migration at the centre of her political arguments. Australia’s multicultural society has been shaped by successive waves of migration to meet the skills need of the nation.
The Australian Government’s Multicultural Framework Review describes culturally and linguistically diverse communities as integral to Australian society and a significant part of it success story.
The contributions of migrants, including Australian Muslims, extend across health, education, research, defence, business, sport, culture, technology, diplomacy and community life.
Such contributions should be recognised alongside legitimate public debate about migration policy, social cohesion and national security. Many migrants pay tax at the highest rate and created thousands of jobs for fellow Australians.
Government responsibility cannot be shifted
Economic management, public safety and national wellbeing are ultimately responsibilities of governments and political leaders including Ms Hanson. Difficulties affecting Australians should therefore be addressed through effective public policy rather than blaming to a migrant or religious community as a pretext to spread hate and promote division.
Political leaders have every right to raise concerns about immigration, integration or national security. However, arguments about such matters should be supported by evidence and should distinguish between the actions of individuals and the characteristics of an entire community.
Australian Law Applies to Everyone
Australian Muslims, like all Australians, are subject to Australian law. At the same time, Australian law protects religious freedom. Section 116 of the Constitution prevents the Commonwealth from prohibiting the free exercise of religion.
This includes practice of Islamic Shariah in private and family matters. For example, washing for prayers, covering body, eating halal food, love people, take care of parents, avoid hate and rude behaviour to mention a few.
Muslim Australians practise their faith while fully participating in Australia’s constitutional democracy. In fact, many Muslim countries including our neighbouring Indonesia and Malaysia are governed by democratic system.
From protest politics to government leadership
The central question for any political movement seeking greater governing responsibility is not simply how effectively it can criticise established parties, but how it proposes to govern.
Voters are entitled to examine detailed policies on economic management, budgeting, health, education, infrastructure, defence, national security, foreign relations and multicultural affairs.
Parliamentary experience and executive government experience are different. Ultimately, Australians should assess political leaders on their proposed solutions to the nation’s complex problems, and the ability to successfully lead the government.
If the One Nation party wins seats in the parliament and controls the balance of power, the nation will suffer the most. They will stop good initiatives of the government and force implementing their divisive and controversial agenda without taking any responsibility.
Given that many leaders have left her party, how should public trust her ability to keep the party intact, let alone manage a more diverse government?
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