The Federal Court has determined that One Nation leader Pauline Hanson racially vilified Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi in a controversial social media exchange.
The verdict, handed down on November 1, 2024, marks a significant moment in Australian politics and sets a precedent for what constitutes racial discrimination in the digital age.
The incident dates back to September 2022 when Faruqi, who migrated from Pakistan in 1992, expressed her views on the monarchy calling Queen Elizabeth II “the leader of a racist empire built on stolen lives, land and wealth of colonised people” after her death.
In response, Hanson tweeted, “It’s clear you’re not happy, so pack your bags and piss off back to Pakistan,” a remark that has now led to legal repercussions.
Justice Angus Stewart did not hold back in his assessment of Hanson’s tweet, describing it as an “angry personal attack” that conveyed a “strong form of racism”.
He noted that the post communicated three key messages: that Faruqi was an immigrant taking advantage of Australia “yet has the hypocrisy to be critical of Australia”, that she was a “second-class citizen” who should be “grateful for what she has and keep quiet”, and that she should return to her country of origin.
Stewart highlighted that this type of rhetoric is part of the well-known “go back to where you came from” trope, which has a long and troubling history in Australia.
Hanson’s legal team argued that her comment fell within the realm of political discourse and was an expression of genuine belief. However, Justice Stewart found this defence unconvincing, stating that the tweet was “profoundly and seriously” likely to offend, insult, humiliate, or intimidate Faruqi and others based on their race or ethnic origin.
“This is a good day for people of colour, Muslims and all of us working to build an anti-racist society,” said Faruqi in a statement.
“Today’s judgement is a win for every person who has been told to go back to where they came from. And believe me, far too many of us have been subjected to this ultimate racist slur far too many times in this country. Today the court found that to be a strong form of racism.
“Migrants and people of colour should know that they don’t have to be grateful and keep quiet. I will be louder and more defiant than ever.”
As a result of the ruling, Hanson has been ordered to delete the tweet within seven days and pay Faruqi’s legal costs.
Faruqi has also sought a $150,000 donation from Hanson to charity as part of her response to the incident.
Lead image: Getty Images
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