Minister tells Hanson to look in mirror over political violence claim

Attorney-General Michelle Rowland has urged Senator Pauline Hanson to take a hard look at her own conduct following her accusation that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese incited political violence. At a recent Labor state conference in Queensland, Albanese described the One Nation leader as "dangerous, divisive and downright dishonest."

Politically motivated violence, threats, and harassment are on the rise in Australia, with the head of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) warning it is "flashing red." In response to Albanese's remarks, Senator Hanson stated that the prime minister's speech went too far and incited political violence. She later claimed that Albanese's treatment of her made her feel unsafe, requiring federal police protection whenever she meets with people.

While Attorney-General Rowland acknowledged the increasing danger of being a high-profile female politician in Australia, she urged Hanson to reflect on her own rhetoric, which she believes encourages extreme behavior. Hanson accused Rowland's comments of being slanderous and demanded an apology, stating that no minister should suggest justification for threats against Australians based on the party they support.