"I'm Indigenous": Pauline Hanson faces scrutiny after controversial statement on A Current Affair
One Nation Pauline Hanson has angered many as her mission to allow all Australians to climb Uluru continues.
She headed out to Uluru with A Current Affair and the controversial segment aired on Monday night.
"I've come here to listen to the traditional owners," she said.
Hanson was invited to visit Uluru by Jimpanna Yulara, a senior member of the Anangu Mayatja Council of Elders. Hanson spoke of the beauty of Uluru in the segment.
"And what reasons people come out - whether they see it as a challenge, it's an iconic part of Australia to be involved in, to enjoy it. I'd like to see the climb stay open, I really would."
Despite the Senator saying that her intervention in the debate over climbing Uluru is about helping Indigenous Australians, not everyone is convinced.
This included a group of young Indigenous women who spoke to Hanson at a local café, where they were employed.
The women argued that Uluru is part of their culture.
"It's a big part of our Indigenous culture," one of the women said.
"And I'm listening to the traditional owners of the land here and I will talk to them," Senator Hanson replied.
"So our opinion doesn't matter? Even though we're Indigenous? Beautiful," the woman replied.
Hanson tried to diffuse the tension by saying that she too was Indigenous.
“I’m Indigenous,” she told them. “I was born here. I’m native to the land. I’m Australian as well and I’m Indigenous as well.”
This statement was met with smirks from the women, with one suggesting that Hanson’s land is “England”.
When Hanson was asked about the encounter, she said that she wasn’t interested in it.
“They’ve had their opinion. I’ve come, not to talk to a 19-year-old or 20-year-old who’s not from the area. I’m listening to the traditional owners of the land.”
The elders that Hanson met with were concerned about the long-term economic impact that the closure of the climb could have on the local community.
“A lot of people have a lot of respect for me and appreciate the job I’m doing for them,” she said.
However, once Hanson herself attempted the climb, she found it trickier than initially anticipated.
She was forced to stop a short distance up, as her shoes weren’t gripping, and she was worried about slipping.
“Seriously, I cannot walk down here. My boots are that bloody old. They’re so smooth I’m not getting any grip. I tell you what, I’m not getting any grip on my backside either.”
Many were critical of Hanson’s decision to make the climb after meeting with elders as well as getting frustrated with A Current Affairfor airing the segment.
I assume climbers that took selfies with Pauline Hanson on the Rock were paid actors ? I assume the poll @ACurrentAffair9 which is showing strong support for climbing Uluru is fake ? #9aca Or maybe Hanson does have support ? maybe large numbers support her but dont do twitter
— Darren Beale (@DarrenBeale2) 26 August 2019