Pauline Hanson's burqa stunt 'could help IS' - Iraq ambassador

Pauline Hanson donning a burqa in Parliament.
Pauline Hanson donning a burqa in Parliament. Photo credit: Newshub.

Controversial Australian Senator Pauline Hanson has been widely condemned for pulling an anti-burqa stunt in Australia's senate in Canberra.

Iraq's ambassador to Australia is now warning her move could aide the Islamic States' (IS) cause in the Middle East. 

In a move that stunned her fellow Senators, the One Nation leader wore a burqa in the Senate chamber, to demonstrate the Islamic gamrnent's supposed threat on national security.

But her move may have just defeated that very purpose.

Ambassador Hussain Al-Ameri says such a performance has the potential to negatively influence those most susceptible to being radicalised, both in the Middle East and Australia.

"The terrorists are smart," he said. They can make use of this [incident] to motivate their people everywhere."

Dr Al-Ameri added this would also create a misconception that Australians are anti-Muslim. 

"Social media makes the world a small village. When anything happens it can be seen anywhere. Accordingly there is no secret thing." he said. 

Ms Hanson was called out by her peers too, with Attorney General George Brandis giving a speech to standing ovation in Parliament. 

"To ridicule that community, to drive it into a corner, to mock its religious garments is an appalling thing to do," said Mr Brandis. "I am not going to pretend to ignore the stunt that you have tried to pull today by arriving in the chamber dressed in a burqa, when we all know that you are not an adherent to the Islamic faith."

Mr Brandis cautioned and counseled her with respect.

"Be very, very careful of the offence you may do to the religious sensibilities of other Australians." he said. 

Dr Al-Ameri believes it is important to maintain goodwill with Muslim communities around the world. 

Newshub.