Overview

• Four One Nation senators turned their backs in the Senate chamber during the Acknowledgement of Country at the July 22 opening of federal parliament.
• Prime Minister Anthony Albanese celebrated the ceremony as a powerful tradition for beginning parliament and recognising Australia’s Indigenous heritage.
• Cabinet Minister Clare O’Neil condemned the gesture as disrespectful, rude and childish and urged all members to honour First Nations traditions.
• One Nation leader Pauline Hanson defended the protest, calling Acknowledgement of Country divisive and increasingly forced.
• Nationals senator Bridge McKenzie defended the right to express dissent in parliament and compared the silent protest to other parliamentary demonstrations.