Right-wing Dutch MP Geert Wilders has told SBS he is "happy" to be in Australia despite getting a frosty reception from local politicians.
"Even your Prime Minister said not the most kind things about me, and your former Minister of Immigration stalled granting me a visa," he said.
"Freedom of speech is one of the most important things in our free society and I am happy to be here."
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
Wilders is visiting Melbourne at the invitation of Q Society, where he will speak about his anti-Islamic platform in what he calls a warning to Australia.
"If you really want to preserve your freedom, if you really want to preserve your identity as a country that is not Islamic, that is based on Christianity and Judaism... you should open your eyes, learn from the mistakes we made in Europe and make sure they don't happen here," he said.
Calling the Prophet Mohammad a “terrorist” and the Koran a “terrible book”, Wilders rallied against Australia's multicultural policy, saying he believes it could lead to the persecution of non-Islamic groups.
“Islam has no room for anything but Islam, and Islam will get its way also in Australia. People who are non-Islamic, Jews, Christians and women, would be the first ones to pay the price.”
For more, watch the full interview with Dutch MP Geert Wilders.
COLD WELCOME FOR GEERT WILDERS
EARLIER: Dateline interviewed Mr Wilders last year. WATCH IT HERE
