- Commissioner Sivaraman condemns Senator Hanson's Islamophobic remarks and calls for an apology to Muslim Australians.
- Warns that comments targeting communities deepen division, increase harm and undermine social cohesion.
- Follows release of the Respect at Uni report, which highlights widespread racism and urges a coordinated national response.
The Race Discrimination Commissioner, Giridharan Sivaraman, has condemned Islamophobic comments made by One Nation leader Senator Pauline Hanson that targeted Muslim Australians.
Senator Hanson made the remarks during an appearance on Sky News on Monday night.
'I hesitate to respond to remarks like these because doing so risks giving further oxygen to sentiments that should have no place in our public debate. But comments that single out and diminish any community have real and lasting impacts,' Commissioner Sivaraman said.
'Words that stigmatise and devalue people do not strengthen our society. They increase fear, deepen division, and intensify pain and harm that many in our communities have experienced for far too long.
'Australia's Muslim communities - like all our communities - deserve to feel safe, respected and included. Public figures have a responsibility to elevate our national conversation, not inflame tensions, divide us or undermine the dignity of others.
'To those who speak about the importance of social cohesion: you cannot build it by isolating, belittling, or casting suspicion on an entire group of Australians. Unity starts with respect.
'I call on Senator Hanson to withdraw her remarks and offer an apology to Muslim Australians.'
Racism is endemic. This week, Commissioner Sivaraman released the Respect at Uni report - the largest and most comprehensive examination of racism and discrimination in Australian universities. It revealed particularly high rates of harm experienced by students and staff from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds, including those of Muslim and Jewish heritage.
The report recommends a coordinated, sector‑wide response aligned with the Australian Human Rights Commission's National Anti‑Racism Framework .
'The data is there. Racism is widespread. Now is the time for us to come together - to reject division, to uphold dignity, and to build a more respectful and inclusive Australia,' he said.
