Senators push for action on racism in Australia’s parliament
A group of Australian senators is calling for new rules and training to tackle racism inside the federal parliament, warning that growing hostility in political debate is damaging democracy.
Independent senators Fatima Payman and Lidia Thorpe, along with Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi, have asked the Senate president Sue Lines to launch an inquiry and introduce mandatory anti-racism training for politicians.
The request was made in a detailed letter sent to the Senate leadership this week.
What the senators are asking for
The senators say recent incidents in parliament show the current rules are failing to address racism and discrimination.
They are calling for:
• A formal inquiry into racism in parliament
• Changes to parliamentary procedures
• Mandatory anti-racism education for politicians
In their letter, the senators warned that racism – whether direct or subtle – is damaging the credibility of the political system.
“Allowing racism to fester in the parliament undermines its integrity,” they wrote.
Why the issue has resurfaced
The letter points to several past incidents in federal politics that triggered concern about racism and discrimination.
One example raised was when One Nation leader Pauline Hanson wore a burqa in the Senate chamber during a political protest.
The stunt caused a major controversy and Hanson was later censured and suspended from parliament for seven days.
According to the senators, attempts to challenge the incident at the time were limited by parliamentary procedures.
Complaints about parliamentary culture
The senators argue that when they attempt to raise racism concerns, they are sometimes dismissed or prevented from speaking.
They said this behaviour leaves some members feeling “belittled, isolated and worn down”.
The group also warned that the environment may discourage women of colour from participating in politics.
They said allowing racist behaviour in parliament sends a negative message to communities across Australia.
Government response
The federal government has acknowledged concerns about behaviour in parliament but has not agreed that another inquiry is necessary.
Finance minister Katy Gallagher said the conduct of senators had deteriorated but questioned whether a new investigation would solve the problem.
She also suggested that all politicians should reflect on their own behaviour in the chamber.
Previous attempts to investigate the issue
An earlier proposal to examine racism and sexism in parliament was agreed to in 2024 but the inquiry never progressed.
It lapsed after the 2025 federal election, and a recent attempt to revive it was voted down by both Labor and the Coalition.
Meanwhile, parliamentary reforms introduced in recent years include a workplace behaviour watchdog and a support service for staff and MPs.
A broader political debate
The issue highlights a wider debate about political culture in Australia.
Supporters of the inquiry say stronger rules are needed to ensure parliament is respectful and inclusive.
Critics argue existing systems are already in place and that political disputes should not automatically lead to new investigations.
The debate is likely to continue as parliament faces increasing scrutiny over behaviour inside the chamber.