The High Court has today granted leave to One Nation leader Pauline Hanson to challenge the constitutional validity of race discrimination laws, reopening a years-long feud with Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi who she told to “piss off back to Pakistan in response to Faruqi’s comments on Queen Elizabeth II’s death.
The decision granting Senator Hanson’s application for leave to appear before Australia’s most senior bench reignites a debate on the friction between the implied freedom of political communication and protections against hate speech.
The ruling was made by six of the High Court’s seven justices. Justice Simon Steward, who has previously questioned the scope of the implied freedom of political speech, recently returned from sick leave and was not part of the decision.
The full bench of the High Court is expected to hear the matter in the first half of 2027.
Andrew : I find “piss of back to Pakistan ” quite amusing..Personally- I have been told to “piss off back to Auschwitz” by another Semite..Such a grotesque curse..we both couldn’t stop laughing..Let’s all just toughen up..! Water off a ducks back..just be careful what you say about my dear Queen Elizabeth – and now – long may King Charles reign over us (and Pakistan)..!