Pauline Hanson’s Uluru stance ignites online rock fight

PAULINE Hanson, the Today show and Uluru walk into a Facebook comment thread. The results, as expected, weren’t pretty

The debate over shutting the Uluru climb continues after One Nation senator Pauline Hanson said it should remain open

FACEBOOK commenters have reacted in a typically polarised fashion after divisive One Nation senator Pauline Hanson waded into the debate over the closure to Uluru’s visitor climb.

In almost three months, the Uluru climb will close — but Hanson made national headlines on Monday when she appeared on the Today show to argue why the sacred rock should stay open.

Ms Hanson’s unsolicited and unusual dip into Territory issues prompted a response from NT Senator Malarndirri McCarthy, who invited the One Nation senator to Uluru to meet traditional owners.

PAULINE Hanson invited to meet with Uluru Traditional Owners

PAULINE Hanson compares closing Uluru to shutting Bondi Beach

On Facebook, the response to Ms Hanson has been less measured, with commenters either praising or admonishing the One Nation leader’s stance.

Commenter Andy Pando disagreed with Ms Hanson, labelling her calls “disrespectful”.

“(Uluru is) awe inspiring from the ground,” he said.

“Why is your desire to trample over everything more important than respecting the wishes of the locals?”

The sentiment was backed my many other commenters, who pleaded with Ms Hanson to listen to traditional owners.

“It’s an insult climbing on the native land owners sacred site. Close it sooner,” wrote Lance Adrian Beard.

“Her opinion is irrelevant. (The) only opinions that matter are the traditional owners,” Willy Beamin wrote.

Another commenter claimed Ms Hanson lacked the “humility” to meet with traditional owners.

“She’s too scared to look the truth in the eye, and learn what it means to be indigenous,” wrote Deborah Lowes.

But commenters on the other side of the fence vehemently defended Hanson’s view.

“If it meets safety standards it should be able to be climbed. So many sites around the world are open like this,” wrote Nathan Wood.

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“Definitely agree with Pauline, been there and climbed it. Was an awesome experience and in no way should it be closed. Enhances the culture and should be encouraged,” wrote Jackson Palmer.

Many Facebook users predicted that the climb would soon re-open with a potential drop in tourism after the closure.

Others, it seemed, were impressed with Ms Hanson’s ability to speak frankly on the topic of indigenous sacred sites and cultural preferences.

“Got to love Pauline. She calls it how she sees it and she’s spot on again,” wrote Bruce Bellinge.