BREAKING: Controversy erupts as Pauline Hanson, leader of One Nation, claims that parts of Sydney, specifically Lakemba, have become unsafe for Australians. During an interview with ABC TV on February 18, 2026, Hanson stated, “it concerns me greatly that people can’t go into certain suburbs in this country.”
The remarks come as Hanson highlights areas that she believes evoke discomfort among residents, singling out Lakemba, known for its significant Muslim population. “I’ve been there myself and you feel unwanted,” she stated, igniting immediate backlash from community leaders and politicians.
In a separate interview earlier this week, Hanson faced criticism for saying there were “no good Muslims,” later attempting to clarify her statements by apologizing to those who do not support extreme interpretations of Islam. However, she maintained her stance on the broader implications of Muslim immigration, stating, “But in general, that’s what they want: a world caliphate.”
The backlash has been swift. Shadi Alsuleiman, president of the Australian National Imams Council, condemned Hanson’s comments, asserting they stem from a “serious misunderstanding of Islam.” He emphasized that Muslims have positively contributed to Australia’s growth and advancement.
Political figures, including Matt Canavan of the Nationals, have denounced Hanson’s remarks as “divisive” and “un-Australian.” Canavan remarked on Nine’s Today program, “It’s un-Australian for someone to say that of those 800,000 Australians who are Muslim, there’s no good people among them.”
Hanson’s history of controversial statements includes her maiden speech in 2016, where she claimed Australia was being “swamped by Muslims,” echoing a similar sentiment from her 1996 speech concerning Asian immigration. Recently, she faced further backlash after wearing a burqa in the Senate, prompting widespread condemnation.
The implications of Hanson’s statements could have repercussions for her party, which has been outperforming the coalition in recent polls, with a recent Newspoll showing One Nation at a 27% primary vote compared to the opposition’s 18%.
As the situation develops, many are questioning the impact of such rhetoric on community relations and national discourse. The call for a more inclusive dialogue continues amidst rising tensions. The reactions from both the Muslim community and political leaders are expected to unfold in the coming days, making this a critical moment for Australian politics.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as it continues to impact communities across Australia.
