Pauline Hanson’s speech ‘shameful’ and echoed ‘rubbish’ from rightwing figures in UK and US, critics say

Refugee groups have called out Pauline Hanson over inflammatory comments against multiculturalism, including her claim that Australia should be ‘monocultural’. Photograph: Hilary Wardhaugh/Getty Images

Pauline Hanson has been roundly condemned for her National Press Club speech, with advocacy groups accusing the One Nation leader of using “hatred for political gain” while the Greens say Hanson is echoing “rubbish” lines from rightwing figures in the UK and US.

In Hanson’s first address after 20 years in politics, the leader claimed transgender ideology “has penetrated almost every regulatory authority”.