Show a bit of respect, says Wong

LABOR’S Penny Wong says she understands some Australians do not feel comfortable with people wearing a burqa but has called for a respectful debate on the issue.

As the frontbencher called for cool heads, Pauline Hanson’s stunt in wearing the religious garb into the Senate on Thursday ( pictured) reverberated throughout the world, making headlines in the US and the UK.

Senator Wong, whose Facebook page was dominated by supporters, said yesterday Senator Hanson should not be rewarded for her stunt.

“Senator Hanson wants to use fear and division as a political tool. She wants to use division and fear in order to gain votes,” Senator Wong said.

“And that is not the way in which our politicians should behave.

“I understand there are Australians who may not feel comfortable with the burqa.

“But let’s have a respectful conversation about that.

“Let’s not turn it into a tool of fear and division.

“Because fear and division is precisely what the terrorists want. Fear and division makes us less safe.”

Senator Hanson has said she will continue to lobby the Turnbull Government to ban the burqa in public places.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull would not be drawn into the matter yesterday, pointing to an impromptu slap down from Attorney- General George Brandis.