Court hears Pauline Hanson's tweet was considered a highly racist statement.

During a recent court hearing, it was revealed that the response of One Nation leader, Senator Pauline Hanson, to a tweet about the death of Queen Elizabeth II was deemed to be racist and potentially harmful to one's health. This legal action was taken by NSW Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi, who has accused Senator Hanson of racial discrimination in the Federal Court.

The incident in question occurred in September of 2022, when Senator Faruqi tweeted her inability to mourn the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, citing the monarch's role in a "racist empire built on stolen lives, land and wealth of colonised peoples." In response, Senator Hanson expressed her disgust and appallment at the Greens deputy leader's comments, even going as far as telling her to "pack her bags and piss off back to Pakistan."

As the trial progressed, Justice Angus Stewart heard testimony from two experts in racism and discrimination, who shed light on the potential impact of Senator Hanson's tweet. Professor Yin Paradies from Deakin University stated that this form of racism is likely to have a negative impact on individuals, as it is exclusionary and focuses on who belongs and who does not belong. While he admitted that he did not have enough information on all those who read the tweet, the professor emphasized the need to consider racism as a pattern rather than isolated incidents.

It was also revealed that Professor Paradies shares similar views on colonialism as Senator Faruqi, having posted criticisms on Australia Day in both 2022 and 2023. In a post from last year, he stated that the arrival of the British in 1788 resulted in the "vicious obliteration" of one of the oldest and wisest societies on Earth. He also highlighted the ongoing devastation caused by colonialism in 2023, which has been ongoing for the past 235 years.

During cross-examination, Senator Hanson's barrister, Sue Chrysanthou SC, suggested that the professor's personal views may have influenced his interpretation of the tweet. However, Professor Paradies denied this, stating that he did not believe his views had affected his ability to objectively examine the tweet.

Another expert witness, Professor Kate Reynolds from the Australian National University, testified on the negative impacts of Senator Hanson's response. She stated that if someone perceives the tweet as racism, it is likely to have a detrimental effect on their physical and mental well-being.

In her opening statement, Chrysanthou argued that Senator Hanson's response was not targeted at Senator Faruqi's race, color, or ethnicity, but rather her comments about the Queen and the British Commonwealth. She claimed that the response was meant to expose Senator Faruqi's hypocrisy, as she criticizes the Queen and British Commonwealth while still benefiting from living in Australia.

The trial will continue with Senator Hanson taking the stand later today.

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