In a heated escalation of personal tensions within Australia’s Senate, One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has staunchly refused to retract her use of a derogatory term against independent Senator Lidia Thorpe, instead intensifying the confrontation by likening Thorpe’s behavior to that of a “banshee.” The incident unfolded on March 2, 2026, during a contentious debate on US and Israeli military strikes against Iran, just hours before Hanson faced a formal censure from the chamber over separate inflammatory remarks about Muslims.

The clash began as Hanson rose to speak in support of the strikes, emphasizing what she described as the need to stand against threats from Iran and highlighting the plight of Iranian people under the regime. During her address, Senator Thorpe repeatedly interrupted, shouting “You’re lying!” and challenging Hanson’s references, including a notable slip where Hanson referred to US President Donald Trump as “Senator Trump.” Thorpe quickly corrected her, prompting Hanson to retort sharply about being on the “wrong planet.”

Frustration mounted as interruptions continued from Thorpe and Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, who accused Hanson of doing nothing for Iranian refugees and harboring anti-Australian sentiments. Hanson fired back, labeling the Greens as “the most un-Australian people” in the Senate for allegedly prioritizing division over national interests, patriotism, and support for the flag. She accused them of immaturity and failing to fight for everyday Australians.

As Hanson attempted to return to her seat, Thorpe called out across the chamber, declaring, “She just called me a b****… I just got called a b**** by the racist.” Hanson then stormed out of the chamber, delivering a parting shot: “I will be glad to see the back end of you in this place in two years’ time,” referencing Thorpe’s announced intention not to seek re-election.

In a subsequent statement to the Australian Associated Press and other media, Hanson issued a qualified apology while firmly standing her ground. “I apologise if the public heard me call Senator Thorpe a b****, however I don’t take back what I said,” she declared. She defended her outburst by arguing that the Senate should be a venue for reasoned debate, not “constant screaming and yelling over the top of senators like we see from Senator Thorpe.”

Hanson escalated further by comparing Thorpe’s vocal interjections to a “banshee”—a figure from Irish folklore known for its piercing, wailing cries often foretelling death or doom. “If the weak Liberal chair won’t pull her up for screaming like a banshee, I will,” she added, directing criticism at Liberal Senator Dave Sharma, who was acting as Senate President at the time and failed to intervene decisively.

The One Nation leader also broadened her attack to Thorpe’s former party, the Greens, stating, “Thorpe reminds us daily what the Greens represent in this Parliament. Division! It’s never about the Australian people.” She concluded by claiming, “Every single Green is cut from the same horrible cloth.”

Thorpe, a prominent Indigenous rights advocate and former Greens member who now sits as an independent, responded forcefully by labeling Hanson a “racist” in the chamber and later in public statements. The exchange drew immediate attention, with video footage circulating widely on platforms like YouTube and social media, showing the dramatic moments including Thorpe’s point of order and Hanson’s theatrical exit.

This confrontation did not occur in isolation. It preceded a Senate censure motion moved by Foreign Minister Penny Wong, condemning Hanson’s February 2026 Sky News interview comments questioning the existence of “good Muslims” amid discussions on repatriating Australians linked to Islamic State. The motion passed 36-17, with Labor, Greens, and crossbench support—including two Liberal senators crossing the floor—while the Coalition opposed the censure itself, arguing it should be reserved for grave parliamentary misconduct rather than external statements.

During the censure debate, Hanson dismissed proceedings as a “stunt” and a “joke,” mockingly slapping her wrist before walking out with her One Nation colleagues. The dual events—personal insult and formal rebuke—underscore the deeply polarized atmosphere in Australia’s upper house, where ideological clashes frequently spill into personal territory.

Both women have long histories of provocative parliamentary styles. Hanson, first elected in 1996 and returning in 2016, has built her career on blunt commentary on immigration, multiculturalism, and national identity, often drawing accusations of racism. Thorpe, elected in 2020 as a Greens senator before going independent in 2023, is known for her fierce advocacy on Indigenous sovereignty, treaty rights, and opposition to colonial symbols, including her 2022 walkout during the King’s speech and calls for truth-telling.

The incident has sparked mixed reactions across the political spectrum. Supporters of Hanson praised her for standing up to what they see as disruptive heckling and defending free speech in parliament. Critics, including Indigenous and progressive voices, condemned the language as misogynistic and racially charged, particularly given Thorpe’s Indigenous heritage and Hanson’s track record of controversial statements on race and culture.

Greens senators, including Hanson-Young, defended Thorpe’s interjections as holding Hanson accountable for perceived misinformation. Meanwhile, some Coalition members privately expressed amusement during the exchange, though the party maintained a neutral stance on the personal dispute.

The broader context includes escalating global tensions following US and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets in late February 2026, which reportedly targeted military infrastructure and led to significant casualties, including high-profile figures. Debates in the Australian Parliament reflected divisions: the Coalition welcomed the actions as necessary deterrence, Labor expressed measured support with calls for de-escalation, while the Greens and independents like Thorpe condemned them as escalatory and illegal under international law.

This Senate stoush highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining decorum amid passionate debates on foreign policy, race, and identity. As Australia approaches future elections, such incidents may further polarize voters, with Hanson’s One Nation polling strongly in some surveys despite—or perhaps because of—her unfiltered approach.

With Thorpe set to depart the Senate in the coming years and Hanson’s party gaining traction, these personal and ideological clashes are likely to remain a feature of Australian political discourse.