Pauline Hanson Dismisses Criticism of Cartoon Mocking Senator's Medical Condition

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has responded bluntly to criticism over a cartoon that appeared to mock Independent Senator Jacqui Lambie's reported struggle with a vaginal prolapse, stating, "It's a satire. Take a chill pill."

The party's latest "Please Explain" cartoon faced backlash from politicians of various parties after it made light of Senator Lambie's medical condition.

Senator Lambie condemned One Nation for the cartoon, saying it trivialized the reproductive health issues experienced by many women. "By making this cartoon, One Nation didn't just make light of my own medical struggles, but those of so many other women who have experienced reproductive health issues," Lambie stated in a social media release. She added that her decision to speak openly about her condition in Parliament was not for sympathy but to show other women they are not alone.

Lambie rejected the notion that her public disclosure made her condition "fair game" for ridicule. "No. Speaking openly is not an invitation to be mocked or degraded," she said. She also highlighted the ongoing stigma surrounding women's reproductive health, which can cause delays in seeking medical help.

In August, Senator Lambie disclosed her vaginal and bladder prolapse, which required surgery and a five-month leave of absence from Parliament. She explained that the condition stemmed from a back injury sustained during her service in the army.

The cartoon, published on Hanson's social media, depicted Senator Lambie as opposing the government's proposed digital duty of care legislation, which aims to enhance online child protections and user control over content. In the cartoon, Lambie's character states that One Nation's animated series "has gotta go." When another character suggests it's funny, Lambie's caricature responds, "No, it's not, plus I can't laugh because of my prolapsed vagina."

Condemnation of the cartoon came from various political figures, including Labor frontbencher Tim Ayres and independent Kooyong MP Monique Ryan. Ryan, a medical doctor, praised Lambie for her openness and described the cartoon as "a nasty style of politics."

Liberal MP Andrew Hastie also criticized the cartoon, calling it "a cheap, nasty and vulgar joke at the expense of Senator Lambie's medical condition." He warned that this approach reflects the "MAGA-style politics" expected from One Nation if they were to form part of a government. Hastie noted the hypocrisy, pointing to Hanson's past anger over a joke concerning Gina Rinehart.

Minister for Women Katy Gallagher stated, "Making fun of women's health concerns isn't satire. It's bullying."

When asked about removing the cartoon, Lambie indicated she had not directly asked Hanson but suggested that those close to the One Nation leader should encourage its immediate removal. "She's dragging all those other men around her into it too," Lambie commented. "If you think it's a laughable matter about women having problems with their reproductive system, then be my guest and stand by her. But seriously, enough is enough."

Senator Hanson, speaking in Tasmania, urged Lambie to "get over it" and suggested she "lighten up."