Queensland coalition senators side with Pauline Hanson on ‘white’ rights

THE Coalition voted with Pauline Hanson on a Senate motion stating that “it is OK to be white”, in a move which was only narrowly defeated.

THE Coalition voted with Pauline Hanson on a Senate motion stating that “it is OK to be white”, in a move which was only narrowly defeated.

Senator Derryn Hinch said Senator Hanson and Senator Fraser Anning were “locked in a race to see who can be the biggest, the loudest, ­racist bigot”. Picture: Gary Ramage

Senator Hanson moved a motion, which was symbolic only, that the Senate acknowledge that there was a rise of “anti-white racism” and that “it is OK to be white”.

It was voted down 31-27, but Coalition senators, including the four Queensland senators present yesterday, backed the motion.

Senator Hanson said “anti-white racism” was rife in society. “People have a right to be proud of their cultural background, whether they are black, white or brindle,” she said.

The only Government speaker, Senator Anne ­Ruston, simply said: “The Government condemns all forms of racism.”

Senator Derryn Hinch said that Senator Hanson and Senator Fraser Anning – who this year promoted a return of the White Australia policy – were “locked in a race to see who can be the biggest, the loudest, ­racist bigot”.