One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has ignited debate after suggesting political opponents should be "rounded up" and relocated.
Hanson made the remarks on a podcast hosted by former British prime minister Liz Truss while touring the United Kingdom. Truss inquired about a political "blob" in Australia, to which Hanson responded by identifying the Greens and some independents.
"How about we just round them all up and give them an island or somewhere and say, 'You go and do what you want to do over there, leave us alone'," Hanson said. Truss quipped, "Didn't we try that with Australia in the first place?"
The comments quickly divided opinion on social media. Some users criticized Hanson, with one commenter stating, "I am not laughing," and another comparing her to former U.S. President Donald Trump. "She's like Trump. Some put it down to crazy ramblings, some think she's amazing. It's a very scary time," the commenter wrote. Another suggested that if Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had made a similar remark, the backlash would have been significantly greater.
Supporters defended Hanson, with one user posting, "She doesn't speak gutter talk like our PM. I will be voting for her." Another supporter stated, "Then don't vote for her. I will be."
Others expressed frustration with personal attacks in politics, lamenting that "politicians put the time they spend dragging each other into actually doing productive work."
Truss, who shared similar sentiments about bureaucrats and unelected officials influencing policy, claimed a "group of people" had infiltrated institutions to advance a progressive agenda. She has previously blamed the "deep state" for hindering her policy initiatives during her brief tenure as prime minister.
Hanson is scheduled to speak at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in London, where Truss is serving as chair. Hanson has also met with British activist Tommy Robinson and Holly Valance, a supporter of the Reform UK party.