One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has issued a qualified apology for remarks she made about Indigenous Australians, whom she described as “the most primitive race on Earth.” The comments, which also included criticism of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s late mother, drew widespread condemnation from across the political spectrum. Senator Hanson stated that she did not intend to cause offense and would apologize if her words had indeed upset people.
Controversial Remarks Spark Widespread Condemnation
The controversy erupted after excerpts from a September recording of the Jamie J podcast surfaced on Monday. In the recording, Senator Hanson questioned the emphasis placed on Indigenous history within the Australian school curriculum. “Sorry they’re the most primitive race on Earth and we’re supposed to be holding them up and saying what they’ve achieved. They’ve achieved nothing,” she stated. These remarks quickly drew sharp criticism from various politicians, including Indigenous Australians Minister Malarndirri McCarthy, who denounced them as “derogatory” and “completely racist,” urging Senator Hanson to apologize.
Politicians from both major parties and independent members have labeled Hanson’s comments as “vile,” “divisive,” and “derogatory.” The backlash highlighted a significant divide in perspectives on Australia’s history and the ongoing recognition of Indigenous achievements.
Hanson’s Qualified Apology and Justification
In her first public statements since the remarks became widely known, Senator Hanson expressed regret if her language had caused offense. “If I’ve offended people by using that, yes, I will apologise for that,” she told reporters. She reiterated her long-held stance that all Australians should be treated equally, irrespective of race, and that progress requires moving beyond past grievances.
“I’ve always advocated, we are Australians all together and should be all treated equally on a needs basis, not about race. And until we actually do that, we’re not going to move over what’s happened in the past,” Senator Hanson said.
Speaking further on the matter, Senator Hanson suggested she might have “put my foot in my mouth” and clarified that her comments about Indigenous people were intended to refer to the historical context at the time of British settlement. “If we go back at the time of settlement in Australia, they were primitive compared to what the settlers that came out here from England, that type of thing. But I’m not talking those terms now. It’s not about now,” she explained. She added, “I regret saying that because I don’t want to upset people. That’s not my intentions. That wasn’t my intention to hurt people.”
Indigenous Leaders and Experts Respond
Several Indigenous leaders voiced their profound disappointment with Senator Hanson’s use of the term “primitive.” Indigenous author and human rights activist Thomas Mayo was among those who criticized the remarks, deeming them not only false but indicative of ignorance. He argued that Senator Hanson’s perspective does not reflect the views of many Australians.
“Many Australians have learnt that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples built sophisticated systems of law, governance, culture, trade, and land management over tens of thousands of years,” Mayo stated. “We have survived invasion, dispossession and every attempt to erase us. We are still here and will always remain in the rich tapestry of Australian identity.”
Indigenous Australians Minister Malarndirri McCarthy echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the deep historical and cultural achievements of First Nations peoples, which she stated were being disregarded by such comments.
Criticism of Prime Minister’s Late Mother
In addition to her remarks about Indigenous Australians, Senator Hanson also faced scrutiny for comments made about Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s late mother, Maryanne. Senator Hanson had criticized the notion that Maryanne Albanese, who lived with severe rheumatoid arthritis and spent much of her life in housing commission accommodation, should be a focus. “I don’t think my comments were derogatory towards his mother at all. I was referring to house commission at that time. So if he’s taken offence to it, well, I’m sorry for that,” Senator Hanson said.
The Prime Minister, who has spoken openly about his upbringing in public housing, defended his mother fiercely. He expressed being “stunned” by the attack on his mother, who passed away in 2002. “If Pauline Hanson wants to criticise me, then that’s fine, but my mother was way out of Pauline Hanson’s league, way out of it,” Albanese stated, recalling his mother as a woman of “great character.” He emphasized that housing commission was intended as a support system, not a permanent state, and questioned the long-term reliance on such housing, referencing his mother’s 65 years in the same residence.
Broader Context and Political Fallout
The dual controversies placed Senator Hanson and her One Nation party under intense pressure. Critics argued that her comments were not only offensive but also undermined efforts towards reconciliation and respectful dialogue about Australia’s past and present. The debate highlighted the ongoing challenges in acknowledging and celebrating the full scope of Australian history, including the contributions and resilience of Indigenous Australians.
The Prime Minister’s strong defense of his mother underscored the personal impact of Senator Hanson’s remarks. The incident served as a stark reminder of the sensitivities surrounding discussions of Indigenous history, social welfare, and personal backgrounds in Australian public life.
