Dr Tim Soutphommasane says Ms Hanson could be setting a dangerous precedent for the nation.
Australia's Race Discrimination Commissioner says senator-elect Pauline Hanson has effectively given bigots a licence to commit violent and discriminatory acts.
His warning comes after comments Ms Hanson made yesterday.
In a near-repeat of her maiden parliamentary speech 20 years ago, where she warned of a flood of Asians entering the country, Ms Hanson has linked Islam with terrorism.
And she has called for a ban on burqas and niqabs and accused mosques of preaching hate.
Her One Nation Party has also been pushing for the introduction of surveillance cameras in mosques as a way to combat terrorism.
Dr Soutphommasane says that could trigger a wave of hate, particularly in the current political climate around the world.
"Consider what's happened in the United States with the rise of Donald Trump and the violence that has occurred at rallies. And we've seen, as well, reports of a spike in racist attacks following the Brexit vote. So these are all signs of how we have to be very careful about the language we use in our political debates. We don't want to send a signal for prejudice and bigotry, because people may take their cue and start to indulge in such things in our society."
Ms Hanson and her party look set to pick up one or two Senate seats, although she predicts it could be as many as six.
Her strong views have already isolated her from some of her soon-to-be parliamentary colleagues, although many are staying neutral prior to the final result being known.
The head of the Justice Party, Victorian senator-elect Derryn Hinch, has told the ABC he is not looking forward to the possibility of having to work with her.
"She's very pleasant, but what comes out of her mouth isn't that pleasant, and I don't agree with a lot of the stuff she's talking about. Some people do. I mean, she's talking about having CCTV cameras in mosques ... somebody will say, 'Well, why don't we put them in Catholic churches to watch out for the paedophiles?' It doesn't make sense."
Dr Soutphommasane says what politicians do and say influences other citizens' actions.
He says Ms Hanson is underestimating the potential damage she could do.
"We should, by all means, have debate and discussion about matters of race, immigration and multiculturalism, but the manner in which we conduct our debates is fundamentally important. We look to our political representatives to set the tone for our society. As citizens, we must also be civil and respectful to one another, and we must conduct our arguments based on facts and reason. Very specifically here, I would have to say that there's been an element of entertainment with the resurgence of Pauline Hanson. We do see her regularly on commercial television. But there's no laughing matter involved here. There's nothing funny or entertaining about people in our society being on the receiving end of racism and bigotry."
The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils' Keysar Trad says he agrees the Queensland politician's words go too far.
He says it is only a matter of time before someone takes them literally.
"Unfortunately, it is very likely that these comments might lead some people to commit a race-based attack against Muslims or Asians, and Pauline Hanson will be responsible. I don't know whether the law will see her as responsible, but her comments will clearly and undoubtedly -- and most unfortunately -- incite some in society to take matters into their own hands and commit a criminal act against either a Muslim woman or some unsuspecting Muslim youth."
Despite the controversy, the country's Race Discrimination Commissioner says he believes Ms Hanson's views do not reflect those of the wider community.
But Dr Southphommasane says he is€C¢àC¢Ûó6ë
not confident she will change her mind.
"The vast majority of Australians, in fact, believe multiculturalism is good for the country. The vast majority are relaxed and comfortable about having a national identity that accommodates cultural diversity. So let's have these debates -- nothing is ever off-limits or beyond discussion in a democracy. But we should never believe that that gives us an excuse to indulge in xenophobia or racism. Ms Hanson has been around for two decades, and her position has been pretty consistent, you'd have to say, but Australia's moved on."
