Albanese Links Pauline Hanson’s Muslim Comments to Threats Against Lakemba Mosque

The comments came after Lakemba Mosque reported receiving its third threatening letter in recent days. The latest letter reportedly included a hand-drawn image of a pig and threats to kill the “Muslim race”. Asked on Thursday morning whether there was a connection between public statements such as Senator Hanson’s and threats of violence, Mr Albanese told the ABC: “Of course there is. Because it legitimises it, it mainstreams it.”

Senator Hanson sparked controversy on Monday night during an interview on Sky News when she asked, “How can you tell me there are good Muslims?” The remarks triggered widespread condemnation. In a subsequent and tense interview with Sky News host Chris Kenny on Wednesday night, the Queensland senator offered an apology for offending some Muslim Australians but insisted she would not “back down”, telling Mr Kenny: “You won’t shut me down.”

Mr Albanese described Ms Hanson as a “divisive figure” who has “made a political career out of seeking to divide” Australians, arguing that the country needs unity rather than further polarisation. He also criticised One Nation’s policy platform, saying the party has “no economic policy” and has opposed measures aimed at easing cost-of-living pressures.

The controversy has drawn bipartisan criticism, with senior figures across the political spectrum condemning the comments. Even newly elected One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce sought to distance himself from the remarks.

The incident comes just weeks after the Prime Minister was urged to condemn comments made by former Australian of the Year Grace Tame, who was filmed chanting “From Gadigal to Gaza, globalise the intifada” at a rally opposing Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s visit to Sydney last month. That protest, held under tightened restrictions following the Bondi Beach terror attack, was forcefully dispersed by police. The NSW Law Enforcement Conduct Commission is now reviewing police conduct during the operation.

Asked in parliament to condemn Ms Tame’s comments, Mr Albanese said Australia should avoid exploiting a “devastating situation” for political gain and called for tensions to be lowered. “We need to turn the temperature down,” he said.

The NSW government is considering banning the phrase “Globalise the intifada”, following Queensland’s move to prohibit it, despite warnings the ban could face constitutional challenges. The Arabic term “intifada” is associated with two major uprisings in the Middle East and has featured at pro-Palestinian rallies. Some within the Jewish community argue the phrase is a call to violence against Jewish people.