Pauline Hanson Loses Racial Discrimination Appeal Against Mehreen 2026

The Pauline Hanson racial discrimination appeal against Mehreen Faruqi has been unanimously dismissed by the Federal Court of Australia, upholding the original ruling that Hanson’s tweet violated the Racial Discrimination Act. The case centered on a 2022 social media post where the One Nation leader told the Greens senator to “pack your bags and piss off back to Pakistan.”

Background of the Case

The interaction occurred shortly after Queen Elizabeth II’s death in September 2022. Faruqi tweeted that she could not mourn “the leader of a racist empire,” prompting Hanson’s reply. The initial judgment by Justice Angus Stewart found Hanson’s comments were “seriously offensive” and portrayed Faruqi as a “second-class citizen.”

Court Ruling on Appeal

On Monday, federal court justices Melissa Perry, Geoffrey Kennett, and Elizabeth Bennett unanimously upheld Stewart’s decision, rejecting all seven grounds of Hanson’s appeal. The court emphasized that the tweet was a variant of “go back to where you came from” and was exclusionary.

Key Takeaways from the Decision

• Racial discrimination laws in Australia apply to social media posts, even by politicians.
• The phrase “piss off back to Pakistan” was deemed a modern iteration of exclusionary language.
• The ruling reinforces protections for migrants against hate speech.
• Hanson did not appear in court for the appeal judgment.
• Faruqi welcomed the decision as a victory for equality.

Implications for Australian Law

This case sets a precedent for how courts interpret racial discrimination in digital communications. It underscores that free speech does not protect racially abusive language, especially when directed at public figures. Legal experts say the ruling clarifies the boundary between political debate and unlawful discrimination.

Reactions from Both Sides

Mehreen Faruqi stated outside court that the decision “sends a clear message that racism has no place in Australia.” Meanwhile, Hanson’s legal team indicated they are considering a further appeal to the High Court, though legal analysts note the chances are slim given the unanimous rejection.

FAQ

This landmark decision reaffirms Australia’s commitment to combating racial discrimination, even in the political sphere. As the nation grapples with issues of identity and migration, the ruling serves as a reminder that words carry consequences under the law.