Controversy Erupts as One Nation Senator Faces Backlash Over Alleged Islamophobic Remarks to Envoy

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A One Nation senator has been accused of fanning anti-Muslim hate and associating with neo-Nazis after grilling Australia’s envoy to combat Islamophobia about sharia law.

Malcolm Roberts, a Queensland-based representative of the right-wing party, questioned Aftab Malik during Senate estimates on Tuesday about why his report outlining a national response to Islamophobia did not mention sharia law.

“Sharia law, should it be allowed into Australia, would replace Australian law, Australian courts, police and governments,” Roberts said.

In a recent discussion about Islamophobia, Greens Senator David Shoebridge highlighted a critical issue: the importance of addressing misconceptions about sharia law when discussing opposition to Islam. This topic was brought to the forefront during a session with Aftab Malik, Australia’s special envoy appointed to tackle Islamophobia.

Malik said the question was a good example of why his role was established by the federal government: to help people understand misconceptions around Islam and sharia law, which were fuelling anti-Muslim discrimination, marginalisation and exclusion.

Senator Shoebridge questioned Malik about whether misleading and politicized narratives, such as the baseless claim that sharia law is on the verge of being imposed in Australia, are contributing factors to the rise in Islamophobia. His inquiry pointed to the significant role misinformation plays in fostering fear and prejudice.

Man speaks at a podium with Australian and First Nations flags behind him

Acknowledging the senator’s concerns, Malik agreed wholeheartedly. He emphasized the distinction between legitimate criticism of a religion or a Muslim-majority country and the harmful effects of generalizations and stereotyping. “You are absolutely correct,” Malik affirmed, highlighting how such oversimplifications can quickly devolve into demonizing Muslims personally, which in turn normalizes prejudice.

Malik’s role as envoy is crucial in dispelling these common misconceptions and fostering a deeper understanding of Islam within Australian society. His efforts aim to bridge gaps and foster a more informed and harmonious community, mitigating the impact of misinformation that fuels Islamophobia.

One Nation Senators Pauline Hanson and Malcolm Roberts seated beside one another in parliament.

Last week, Pauline Hanson wore a burqa into parliament for the second time in her career. Source: AAP

“When people see or hear a political leader speak in a certain way, it confirms those prejudices and it emboldens discrimination.”

Roberts also accused Malik of trying to cast concerns about Islamic terrorism as Islamophobia by not making reference to ISIS (the self-proclaimed Islamic State group) or al-Qaeda in his report.

Labor senator Murray Watt slammed Roberts, accusing him of consorting with neo-Nazis.

“I don’t really know what point you’re making, but I have to answer questions from you and your colleagues on a regular basis in the Senate chamber which I would describe as Islamophobic,” he said.

“So I would encourage you to think very carefully about the sorts of questions and sorts of statements that you and your colleagues make in the public domain, at a time when we are seeing social cohesion under threat, and at a time when we are seeing the rise of neo-Nazis and other extremists with whom you sometimes associate.”

Roberts protested that he did not associate with neo-Nazis.

“My comments are pro-Australia,” he said.

“My party’s name is One Nation because we believe in unity.”

Last week, One Nation leader Pauline Hanson was widely condemned and ejected from the Senate after walking into the chamber in a burqa, after seeking to bring forward a motion to ban the Islamic head covering in public places.

Hanson is not a practising Muslim.

Australia’s race discrimination commissioner, Giridharam Sivaraman, told Senate estimates on Monday that Hanson’s actions would deepen negative attitudes and the risk of violence towards Muslim women.