In a rare public rebuke coming from one of Australia’s prominent right-wing voices, Sky News’ Chris Kenny tore into Pauline Hanson and her three fellow One Nation senators for their symbolic gesture at yesterday’s first day of the new Parliament. According to Kenny, the decision by these senators to turn their backs during the Welcome to Country ceremony was not only disrespectful to Australia’s Indigenous heritage, but it also underlined a troubling disconnect within the conservative ranks.
Kenny, widely known for his uncompromising right-wing commentary, has not shied away from hard-hitting opinions. Yet many would be surprised by his denunciation of Hanson and her colleagues. That’s partly because Kenny himself carved out a distinctive profile in recent years by being one of the few right-wing commentators to support the failed 2023 referendum on an Indigenous Voice to Parliament. His stance on the Voice reflected a belief that all Australians benefit from recognising and respecting the country’s First Nations peoples – a perspective that informed his broader commentary on national unity and policy.
In his latest address, Kenny argued that the act of turning away during the Welcome to Country was more than just a political posture; it was a blatant dismissal of Australia’s rich cultural heritage. “When you turn your back on the very first ceremonial recognition of the land’s original owners at Parliament’s opening, you’re not just making a political statement,” Kenny said. Adding, “You’re signalling a deep disrespect for the traditions that knit this nation together… surely a place when you’re opening parliament and getting down to proceedings, it’s just a respectful way to acknowledge the land that we all live on and the people that were here first and the culture that is ongoing. It’s just polite.”
For Kenny, the irony is stark. While many on the right continue to oppose policies aimed at further acknowledging Indigenous culture, he maintains that respectful engagement with Australia’s traditional practices is essential for national reconciliation. In his view, Hanson and the One Nation senators – whose politics have long been associated with a combative stance on immigration and national identity – have chosen to reinforce their ideological positions at the expense of fostering a unified national identity.
Critics of the One Nation move argue that such gestures deepen social divisions. They contend that a Welcome to Country, a practice that honours Indigenous custodianship of the land, should serve as a moment of reconciliation and understanding rather than a platform for political grandstanding. In this light, Kenny’s rare critique from the right is noteworthy, as it cuts across usual partisan lines to emphasise that national symbols should transcend political differences.
As the new Parliament begins its work amid contentious policy debates and a fragile sense of unity, Kenny’s critique might serve as a call for a more measured approach. Rather than using national ceremonies for partisan display, the emphasis, he argues, should be on building a nation where respect for history and Indigenous heritage underpins the political discourse.
For now, the debate continues – one that reflects deeper tensions within Australia’s conservative movement. And perhaps, as Kenny suggests, true leadership will require finding common ground even where ideological differences run deep.
Dear reader, we need your support
Independent sites such as The AIMN provide a platform for public interest journalists. From its humble beginning in January 2013, The AIMN has grown into one of the most trusted and popular independent media organisations.
One of the reasons we have succeeded has been due to the support we receive from our readers through their financial contributions.
With increasing costs to maintain The AIMN, we need this continued support.
Your donation – large or small – to help with the running costs of this site will be greatly appreciated.
You can donate through PayPal or credit card via the button below, or donate via bank transfer: BSB: 062500; A/c no: 10495969
Agreeing with anything that Chris Kenny says is a little like watching the likes of Peter Dutton attempt to make himself likeable – cringeworthy and best avoided. But in this instance I’m obliged to give credit where it’s due, and I’m glad that he has landed this punch on the cretinous Pauline Hanson and her moronic knuckle-draggers in the Senate. Kudos to Kenny, for once.
That said, I expect we can now go back to ignoring his pointless rants on most other matters.
Agree, Jim.
Chris Kenny is not a person I agree with often – only twice in the last decade – but I support his stand here, and I don’t mind confessing it.
What made it even harder for me is that Chris is my “traditional” enemy. I’m from SA and a lifelong Port Adelaide supporter. The Adelaide Crows are our sworn enemy. Chris, as it happens, is their ambassador.
The Indigenous Affairs minister – Malarndirri McCarthy – said that the stunt was “incredibly childish”.
I agree completely.
Mind you a lot of what Hanson and her cronies say can be described that way.
The second link in the article takes you to the video of Kenny’s interview with Hanson. She appeared somewhat agitated at being challenged.
Only watch the interview if you can tolerate her for more than five seconds. I’ve done the hard work for you: I took one for the team.
I can feel a nightmare brewing.
Thanks, Michael… it’s not always an easy gig being head of the team.
With all due respect to all the good fish n’ chip providers; Hanson, once a fishwife, always a fishwife. Unredeemable ugliness, a parasite & a pox in parliament, public life & purse.
Credit where credit is due, this time Chris Kenny is on the right as in synonymous with correct not opposite to left side of the debate. Hanson’s idiotic and racist view of what Australia should be ignores the rich diversity of history and heritage of this country. Not only was her action puerile, it was also arrogant, intolerant and rude.
Kenny is as biased as he claims the ABC to be.
I reserve the right to turn my back on One Nation and their childish gestures!
Kenny has never been watchable on insiders but did well here.
ps
Surely, their back is preferable to their front
As far as I can discover, Welcome to Country happens only at the opening of Parliament, not every day as this racist harridan, this hate filled, festering, bilious creature says.
If I am correct, she is just a liar.
Hanson’s One Nation original and ongoing objective, taking a free ride on the public purse. A symbol of ignorance and hateful ugliness gathering the adherents under one banner. Stunts are all they have, and all they’ll ever be – trans-fat heads.
Pauline Hanson has seen many politicians come and go, while she is still in our parliament, doesn’t that still you something?
Yes, it tells me that there’s some very stupid people in Australia.