Pauline Hanson and Malcolm Roberts deride family law system, calling DV a 'weapon' and court a 'slaughterhouse'
News Source
β’Mon, 27 Jul 2026 15:00:13 GMT
π° What Happened
Guardian Australia has uncovered past comments from One Nation leader Pauline Hanson and Senator Malcolm Roberts. In a 2021 podcast, Hanson said domestic violence was being 'used as a weapon' in court cases. She also said employers should not have to provide paid domestic violence leave. She criticised domestic violence groups for focusing only on women.
Malcolm Roberts called the family court the 'slaughterhouse of the nation'. The comments have resurfaced after a recent radio interview where Hanson made similar statements. The pair's views on family law are now under fresh scrutiny. Hanson said she is 'sick and tired of hearing that men are the only perpetrators' of domestic violence.
π The Backstory
One Nation has long been critical of Australia's family law system. The party argues that fathers are treated unfairly in custody battles. These views have become more popular among some voters. But domestic violence experts say the family court already struggles to protect victims. Paid domestic violence leave was introduced in 2023 to help victims escape abusive situations without losing their income.
Hanson has a history of controversial comments on gender issues. Her party has gained support by appealing to voters who feel the system is biased against men. Critics say her comments downplay the seriousness of domestic violence, which affects one in four Australian women.
π― Why It Matters
These views could shape government policy if One Nation gains more power. How we talk about domestic violence affects whether victims feel safe coming forward and getting help.
Guardian Australia has uncovered past comments from One Nation leader Pauline Hanson and Senator Malcolm Roberts. In a 2021 podcast, Hanson said domestic violence was being 'used as a weapon' in court cases. She also said employers should not have to provide paid domestic violence leave. She criticised domestic violence groups for focusing only on women.
Malcolm Roberts called the family court the 'slaughterhouse of the nation'. The comments have resurfaced after a recent radio interview where Hanson made similar statements. The pair's views on family law are now under fresh scrutiny. Hanson said she is 'sick and tired of hearing that men are the only perpetrators' of domestic violence.
One Nation has long been critical of Australia's family law system. The party argues that fathers are treated unfairly in custody battles. These views have become more popular among some voters. But domestic violence experts say the family court already struggles to protect victims. Paid domestic violence leave was introduced in 2023 to help victims escape abusive situations without losing their income.
Hanson has a history of controversial comments on gender issues. Her party has gained support by appealing to voters who feel the system is biased against men. Critics say her comments downplay the seriousness of domestic violence, which affects one in four Australian women.
These views could shape government policy if One Nation gains more power. How we talk about domestic violence affects whether victims feel safe coming forward and getting help.