Pauline Hanson (Queensland, Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

This afternoon we will vote on a matter that strikes at the heart of our democracy: the urgent investigation into Senator Payman's eligibility to sit in this parliament under section 44. Australians deserve to know that every member of this chamber is eligible under the Constitution—no exceptions. Senator Payman's situation raises serious concerns. If she had been elected during the citizenship crisis of 2016-17, there is no doubt her case would have been referred to the High Court to review. Yet now there are efforts to avoid the same scrutiny. Instead of addressing these questions head on, Senator Payman is weaponising accusations of racism to divert attention and silence legitimate concerns. Australians are sick of this behaviour. It is an insult to the principles of fairness.

The Constitution and in the High Court are clear: dual citizenship is incompatible with serving in this parliament unless there is an impassable obstacle to renunciation under the law. We must ask whether the appropriate steps outlined by the High Court to meet this threshold have been taken, and the absence of clear evidence demands investigation. Adding to this, Senator Payman has admitted on the floor of the Senate that she holds undisclosed documents related to her eligibility which are not included in the Register of Senators Qualifications.

I will flag that I have, again, formally requested the President to consider referring this matter to the Standing Committee of Senators Interests for inquiry, and hope this is addressed before the vote today. The Australian people deserve to know the truth, and this chamber must deliver it. All I ask is for equality, and for the same standards to be applied to everyone without fear or favour.