Pauline Hanson, leader of the One Nation party, made headlines in the Senate by donning a burqa, a move reminiscent of a similar incident she orchestrated in 2017.

The senator’s decision to wear the traditional Islamic garment came shortly after the government rejected her request to introduce a bill aimed at banning burqas and full-face coverings across Australia. This has been a long-standing policy goal for Hanson, who has advocated for such measures over several decades.

However, her actions have drawn criticism from fellow politicians. Nationals Senator Matt Canavan condemned the stunt, arguing that it undermines Hanson’s cause and diminishes the dignity of the parliamentary process. He remarked that most Australians would likely react with disapproval.

“Pauline Hanson needs to come up with fresh ideas because she is simply revisiting tactics from eight years ago,” Canavan shared with ABC. He further noted that while such antics might appeal to a small segment of society, they are likely to alienate mainstream Australians who value respectful parliamentary conduct.

“Pauline Hanson needs some new material because, as you said, she has recycled this from eight years ago,” Canavan told the ABC.

“While this might attract the interest of a small fringe in our society, I just don’t think middle Australia like to see our parliament debased like this.

“I think this is disrespectful to Muslim Australians as well, I don’t support you ridiculing people who have certain multicultural dress standards, it is not appropriate.”

Hanson first wore a burqa in the Senate chamber in 2017.

“Today, the Senate stopped the introduction of my bill to ban the burqa and other full face coverings in public places,” Hanson said on social media this afternoon.

“Despite the ban in 24 countries across the world (including Islamic countries), the hypocrites in our parliament have rejected my bill.

“So if the parliament won’t ban it, I will display this oppressive, radical, non-religious head garb that risk our national security and the ill treatment of women on the floor of our parliament so that every Australian knows what’s at stake.

“If they don’t want me wearing it – ban the burqa.”