One Nation Senators Protest Acknowledgement of Country in Australian Parliament

During the opening of the 48th Federal Parliament in Australia, One Nation's four senators, led by Pauline Hanson, turned their backs during the Indigenous Acknowledgement of Country, marking the start of what they describe as a daily protest against what they see as excessive cultural recognition practices. Hanson and her party argue that the Welcome to Country ceremonies and acknowledgements have been overused and are divisive, a position that has sparked significant criticism, including accusations of disrespect and racism from other senators such as Penny Wong and Andrew Cash. The government, represented by Wong, emphasized the importance of respecting Indigenous traditions even if one disagrees with them, while also condemning the use of these ceremonies for political point scoring. This protest aligns with ongoing tensions around cultural recognition in Australia, highlighted by incidents such as the heckling of an Elder on Anzac Day and debates over the relevance of such ceremonies in modern Australia. Despite One Nation's stance, the practice remains widely supported, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and other leaders showing respect during the ceremonies. The event reflects broader culture war dynamics in Australian politics, with significant pushback against attempts to diminish Indigenous protocols.