Three One Nation senators turned their backs during the Acknowledgement of Country on the opening day of the spring parliamentary sittings.
Queensland Senator Malcolm Roberts, New South Wales Senator Sean Bell and Western Australia Senator Tyron Whitten faced away as Deputy Senate President Slade Brockman delivered the Acknowledgement of Country in the Senate chamber. The trio reportedly turned back around when the Senate moved to the Lord's Prayer, which follows the Acknowledgement of Country each sitting day.
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson was not present during the incident. However, she has previously stated her opposition to Welcome to Country ceremonies, particularly in schools and government departments. In a recent interview, Hanson expressed a desire to "shut that all down," adding "there won't be three flags."
Hanson has defended her stance, suggesting that many Australians feel frustrated by what she described as "tokenistic rituals." She stated that these ceremonies are not about respect but have become a political routine that divides rather than unites.
Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy condemned the senators' actions, calling it an "incredibly childish stunt" and a deliberate disrespect to First Nations Australians. McCarthy urged all senators to conduct debates respectfully, regardless of political differences.
