Joyce distances himself from Hanson’s comments about Muslims
Former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce says he disagrees with controversial remarks made by Pauline Hansonabout Muslims, while also warning critics may misunderstand her political support.
Hanson, leader of the One Nation party, was recently censured in the Senate after suggesting there were no “good” Muslims.
Her comments triggered strong criticism across the political spectrum.
Joyce says he knows Muslims who are good people
Speaking on ABC television, Joyce said he did not share Hanson’s view.
“I’ll make it very clear, I do know people of the Islamic faith who are good people, without a shadow of a doubt,” he said.
Joyce acknowledged Hanson’s comments might have been better expressed differently.
“Nuancing what she said might have been better,” he said.
Hanson’s comments sparked Senate action
The Senate earlier voted to censure Hanson following her remarks during a television interview.
In that interview she questioned the idea that there were good Muslims.
The motion condemning her comments passed with support from most senators.
Joyce warns critics misunderstand Hanson’s support
Despite disagreeing with the statement itself, Joyce argued that attacking Hanson politically may not weaken her influence.
He said critics had failed to understand the reasons behind the rise of her party.
“Attacking Pauline today does not work like people thought it might have worked 15 years ago,” Joyce said.
He argued some voters see Hanson as someone willing to stand firmly behind her beliefs.
Debate over religion and politics
Joyce also raised broader questions about how governments assess people arriving from conflict regions.
He said determining whether individuals were safe or dangerous was a complex issue.
The controversy has added to ongoing debates about religion, migration and national security in Australian politics.
Political tensions continue
Hanson’s comments and the Senate censure have intensified tensions in federal politics.
The debate reflects broader disagreements between parties over how political leaders should discuss religion, migration and national identity in Australia.