The leader of Australia's One Nation party Senator Pauline Hanson praised US President Donald Trump when he called to ban Muslim immigration.
She wanted the same for Australia.
"We've got to pull back on immigration. We've got too many people coming to Australia. Cities are just, you know, like, overflowing. We can't provide the services." Ms Hanson said.
She also expressed her admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin in a radio interview with the ABC.
"I respect the man. He is very patriotic towards his country, the people love him, he's doing so well for the country. So many Australians here want that leadership here in Australia. They want a leader here to stand up for the people and fight for this nation."
The radio interview also discussed other controversial topics such as children’s vaccination.
Senator Hanson said that "parents should not be blackmailed into vaccinating their children."
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull responded quickly.
"If parents choose not to vaccinate their children, they are putting their children's health at risk and every other person's children's health at risk, too. The health of our children, the health of the nation, depends on vaccination, and that has to be as close to 100 per cent as possible. It is a vital health objective to ensure that everybody is vaccinated. And that's why, from the beginning of last year, we introduced the 'no jab, no pay' policy, or, as you know, if kids aren't vaccinated, then their parents won't get access to various childcare and other benefits." Said Mr. Turnbull.
Senator Hanson then recommended another type of vaccination that provoked angry reactions from various communities in Australia.
"Let me put it in this analogy. We have a disease, we vaccinate ourselves against it. Islam is a disease; we need to vaccinate ourselves against that" said Senator Hanson.
Senator Hanson fears Muslims are trying to gain power in Australia by stealth.
"If you understand Islam...they can actually lie to you. It's called Taqiya. And they can actually tell you whatever they want to. It's to blend into a society until the numbers (of Muslims) grow. And then they will actually then impose their will on the people, get hold of governments. And this is what their tactic is."
Following a suicide bombing in Manchester, safety concerns were raised throughout Australia.
Additional security measures were taken in Sydney and Melbourne to guard popular public events in both cities.
Australia’s top spy Chief Duncan Lewis from ASIO was questioned by Senator Hanson if he thought there was a link between asylum seekers and terrorism.
“Ms. Hanson: "Can you confirm the four terrorist attacks and the twelve foiled on Australian soil were committed by Muslims? Mr. Lewis: Of the 12 thwarted attacks, one of those indeed involved a right-wing extremist. I've got to stress, Senator, and this is very important, ASIO does not make its inquiries or its assessments based on somebody's religion. Ms. Hanson: Do you believe that, um, the threat is being brought possibly from Middle Eastern refugees that are coming to Australia? Mr. Lewis: I have absolutely no evidence to suggest there is a connection between refugees and terrorism.”
On another occasion this year, Ms Hanson took her parliamentary colleagues by surprise when she wore an Islamic full-body and face covering into the Senate chamber.
Senate president Stephan Parry explained that her identity was confirmed before she entered.
Behind her stunt was a challenge to Attorney General George Brandis to ban the Burqa, calling it a security risk.
"If a person wears a balaclava or a helmet into a bank or any other building, or even on the floor of a court, they must be removed. Why is it not the same case for someone who is covering up their face and cannot be identified? Will the Government make changes to these laws?"
Senator Brandis was praised by many, for what they called, his eloquent response.
“(...) We have about half a million Australians in this country of the Islamic faith, and the vast majority of them are law-abiding, good Australians. And, Senator Hanson, it is absolutely consistent with being a good, law-abiding Australian, being a strict, adherent Muslim. And to ridicule that community, to drive it into a corner, to mock its religious garments, is an appalling thing to do, and I would ask you to reflect on what you have done." Said Senator Brandis.
In the face of firm criticism Senator Hanson defended her position.
"I think my actions have actually gained a lot of support from Australians who feel the same way that I do. I don't believe there is a place in Australia for the full face covering, the burqa. I think it's un-Australian and I think if these people want to carry their views and wear the burqa, I think there are many other countries around the world that they can go to."
Despite her controversial views Senator Hanson has many supporters in Australia.
She says her One Nation party will remain steadfast, despite disappointing results in the recent Queensland election.
