Thousands slam NSW senator’s comments online and back up Qld senator Pauline Hanson’s retort
Thousands have criticised a NSW senator’s for saying she could not ‘mourn the leader of a racist empire,’ with many saying they support Pauline Hanson’s reply to ‘ … pack your bags and p--- off back to Pakistan’.
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An Australian senator has been slammed and called a “disgrace” by thousands over a comment she made on social media about the late Queen merely hours after her death Friday.
In a post to her 40,000 followers on Twitter, Deputy Leader of the Australian Greens and NSW Senator, Mehreen Faruqi, said she could “not mourn the leader of a racist empire”.
“Condolences to those who knew the Queen. I cannot mourn the leader of a racist empire built on stolen lives, land and wealth of colonised peoples,” she wrote.
“We are reminded of the urgency of Treaty with First Nations, justice and reparations for British colonies and becoming a republic.”
The tweet was posted at 11.51am on Friday, with news of Queen Elizabeth II’s death on Thursday UK time, having been released to the public hours earlier.
Originally from Pakistan, Ms Faruqi, 59, has been a NSW senator for the Australian Greens Party since 2018.
Condolences to those who knew the Queen.
— Mehreen Faruqi (@MehreenFaruqi) September 9, 2022
I cannot mourn the leader of a racist empire built on stolen lives, land and wealth of colonised peoples.
We are reminded of the urgency of Treaty with First Nations, justice & reparations for British colonies & becoming a republic.
Outrage has ensued online since the post, with the majority of Aussies backing up a tweet posted in reply by Queensland Senator and OneNation founder Pauline Hanson.
Ms Hanson, 68, told Ms Faruqi to “p--- off back to Pakistan” following the statement.
“Your attitude appals and disgusts me. When you immigrated to Australia you took every advantage of this country,” Ms Hanson said.
“You took citizenship, bought multiple homes, and a job in a parliament. It’s clear you’re not happy, so pack your bags and p--- off back to Pakistan.”
While most have backed Ms Hanson’s response, others were critical, including one person who wrote: “Her tweet was in poor taste. But the ‘go back where you came from’ attitude sucks. Part of living in this country is free speech. Speaking about parts of the country you’re upset about is better than apathy, at least she cares.”
Some supported Ms Faruqi’s sentiments, including refugee advocate Shane Bazzi.
“Agreed. Well said @MehreenFaruqi. Disgusting to see the racist bigotry directed at Mehreen in the replies,” he wrote.
More than 1500 people retweeted Ms Faruqi’s post and more than 1000 commented on it before the politician limited who could comment on the post.
Hundreds more commented under individual news articles, including in the Courier Mail, about the post, with the majority of people backing Ms Hanson.
A man named Anthony said Ms Faruqi should be ‘sanctioned.’
“Funny how “free speech” is only supported if you agree with what is said. Faruqi’s comment is in poor taste and she should be sanctioned, the Queen was our head of state like it or not,” he wrote.
A person using the name ‘Aussie’ suggested the senator’s comments were ill-timed.
“A reminder to that senator with ill-timed and inappropriate comments – don’t bite the hand that feeds you! You would not be where u are today without this country ???? (sic).”
Steve questioned the senator’s oath of allegiance when she was sworn into the Australian parliament.
“Senator Faruqi did you not swear allegiance to the Queen when you took up your office. Allegiance is loyalty or commitment yet you seek to insult and defame her at the first opportunity on her passing,” he wrote.
“That shows how sincere you taking of the Oath was. Shame.”
A woman named Linda agreed.
“In becoming a citizen she swore allegiance to the Queen. If the Queen symbolised a such racist empire why did she want to become a citizen,” she wrote.
Several people, including Mark, wrote they rarely agreed with Ms Hanson, but they did this time.
Rarely would I agree with Pauline Hanson but on this occasion I would 100 per cent agree with her,” he wrote.
On Twitter, a man named Jack questioned why the senator moved to Australia.
“Racist empire? I am perplexed by you wanting to immigrate here,” he wrote.
A person using the Twitter handle of Noble Teca, who said they were Indigenous, replied saying the senator should ‘take a hike.’
“Take a hike you pathetic woman, I’m Australian Aboriginal, you have no place to talk on our behalf, it’s people like you that keep pushing the hate agenda between us and our government, we have moved on, and achieve our goals ourselves, don’t use my people for your projection (sic),” they wrote.
Several people, including Twitter user daisymay4263, mentioned problems in Pakistan.
“You don’t mourn the women who die in Pakistan. The oppressed women, the women who have their innocence stolen, their lives stolen. Pakistan your own place of birth. So it’s little wonder you wouldn’t mourn the Queen. The same woman you swore your allegiance to, you hypocrite,” they wrote.
Jerkuei Marek Anyuon was among several who suggested the senator be voted out of parliament.
“You don’t deserve to be in Australia let alone in a parliament of a country led by HM. It’s heartbreaking to hear such a words from the beneficiary of HM Queen Elizabeth II dedicated work to the world. It’s time Australia vote people like this out of our parliament,” he wrote.
Ms Faruqi has been contacted for comment.
Other Greens MPs have made political comments, including Greens leader Adam Bandt.
“Rest In Peace Queen Elizabeth II. Our thoughts are with her family and all who loved her. Now Australia must move forward. We need Treaty with First Nations people, and we need to become a Republic,” he tweeted.
It prompted Liberal MP Phillip Thompson to describe him as “a clown of the highest order”.
“You’re a clown of the highest order and a human of the lowest form,” he tweeted.
“Given you hate our nation so profoundly, I would encourage you to take a hike out of Australia and don’t look back.
“I think the nation would join me in celebrating your departure.”
Queen Elizabeth II, 96, passed away Thursday at her Balmoral estate in Scotland.
She reigned for 70 years, making her the longest-serving British monarch in history.
Originally published as Thousands slam NSW senator’s comments online and back up Qld senator Pauline Hanson’s retort
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