CANBERRA, Australia’s Federal Court has dismissed an appeal by One Nation leader Senator Pauline Hanson, upholding an earlier ruling that found her controversial “go back to Pakistan” remark directed at Muslim Senator Mehreen Faruqi to be racially discriminatory.
The ruling reinforces a landmark judgment on racial discrimination and the rights of minority communities in Australia.
The legal dispute began in 2022 after Mehreen Faruqi, who was born in Pakistan and serves as a senator for the Australian Greens, commented on the death of Queen Elizabeth II, criticizing the legacy of the British Empire and linking it to colonialism and racism.
Responding on social media, Pauline Hanson wrote that if Faruqi was unhappy in Australia, she should “pack your bags and go back to Pakistan.”
Faruqi filed legal action, arguing that the statement was racist and violated Australia’s anti-discrimination laws.
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In its original 2024 judgment, the Federal Court ruled that Hanson’s comments constituted racial discrimination and were capable of humiliating, intimidating, and offending not only Mehreen Faruqi but also Muslims, migrants, and people from diverse ethnic backgrounds living in Australia.
The court found that the statement breached Australia’s racial discrimination legislation by targeting a person because of her national and ethnic origin.
Hanson appealed the decision, arguing that her comments were protected under freedom of political communication and challenging the constitutional validity of the relevant provisions of the anti-discrimination law.
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However, the Federal Court rejected all grounds of appeal on Monday, leaving the earlier ruling unchanged.
Following the decision, Hanson said her remarks had been made in anger over Faruqi’s comments on Queen Elizabeth II and insisted they were intended as a political response rather than a racist attack.
Pauline Hanson has long been known for her hardline positions on immigration, deportation of illegal migrants, and free speech. Her One Nation Party has recently experienced a rise in public support and continues to advocate for reduced government spending and a reassessment of Australia’s participation in certain international organizations.
Mehreen Faruqi, meanwhile, remains a prominent advocate for human rights, environmental protection, migrants, and minority communities as a member of the Australian Greens.
Legal analysts say the latest ruling strengthens Australia’s legal framework against racial discrimination and is likely to serve as an important precedent in future cases involving hate speech, racial vilification, and the balance between freedom of expression and anti-discrimination protections.
