UPDATE: Controversial remarks by Pauline Hanson, leader of the One Nation party, have caused an uproar as she claims parts of Sydney have become “places people can’t go to” without feeling unsafe. During an interview on February 18, 2026, Hanson specifically targeted the suburb of Lakemba, known for its significant Muslim population, igniting fierce backlash from community leaders and political figures.
In an interview with ABC TV, Hanson expressed her concerns, stating, “It concerns me greatly that people can’t go into certain suburbs in this country… you feel unwanted, you do not want to be there.” This alarming statement comes amid a broader discussion on safety and cultural integration in Australia.
Hanson’s remarks have drawn the ire of many, including Shadi Alsuleiman, president of the Australian National Imams Council, who condemned her comments as reflective of a profound misunderstanding of Islam and the Muslim community. “For many years, she has made inaccurate and harmful statements based on misinformation,” Alsuleiman asserted, emphasizing the positive contributions Muslims have made to Australian society.
The backlash intensified when Hanson faced scrutiny for previous comments, including a claim made in a separate interview that there are “no good Muslims.” Although she later backtracked, stating that she did not genuinely believe that, she continued to express her controversial views. “If I’ve offended anyone… then I apologise to you for my comment,” she said, but added that she stands by her belief regarding the potential threats posed by certain ideologies.
Political responses to Hanson’s statements have been swift. Matt Canavan, a fellow senator from the Nationals party, criticized Hanson’s remarks as “divisive” and “un-Australian,” highlighting the negative impact of her rhetoric on the Muslim community, which numbers around 800,000 in Australia.
Hanson’s history of controversial statements includes her infamous maiden speech in 2016, where she claimed Australia was being “swamped by Muslims,” mirroring earlier rhetoric about Asian immigration. Her recent comments come at a time when One Nation has been gaining traction in public opinion, according to the latest Newspoll, with a primary vote of 27 percent compared to the opposition’s 18 percent.
As this story develops, the implications of Hanson’s statements on community relations and political discourse in Australia remain to be seen. The backlash will likely continue to unfold as community leaders and political figures respond to her incendiary comments.
This urgent situation highlights the ongoing challenges of cultural integration and safety perceptions in Australia. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
