Lead
Barnaby Joyce, a One Nation MP and former deputy prime minister, has claimed that Australia is a “Christian nation” and said many First Nations people would agree. His comments came during an anti-abortion gala in Sydney where he accepted a prize for “political courage”, as reported by The Guardian.
In an exchange posted on social media, Benjamin van der Linden, from a group called Make Australia Christian Again, asked Joyce whether Australia was a Christian nation. Joyce replied: “Yes, it was premised on Christian principles. A lot of Indigenous people would tell you straight up and proper Australia’s a Christian nation.”
The remarks have drawn criticism from Prof Anne Pattel-Gray, who pointed to Christianity’s historical role in colonialism and violence towards Aboriginal people, according to The Guardian.
Coverage comparison
The Guardian reported on both the gala remarks and the broader context of One Nation’s outreach to Christian voters. In a separate article, The Guardian analysed how Pauline Hanson’s party is courting Australia’s Christian community, noting that One Nation’s vision includes returning the country to “Judeo-Christian” values.
The coverage highlights a tension: while One Nation’s strong rhetoric against abortion may attract some Christians, its long-held anti-immigration position could alienate believers whose faith calls them to welcome newcomers, according to the analysis.
Key claims
- Joyce claimed First Nations people would agree that Australia is a “Christian nation”.
- Joanna Howe, the gala organiser and anti-abortion activist, praised Hanson’s call for a “monoculture”, saying it would include “immigrants like me and my family who assimilate and contribute to Australia”. Howe is of Indian and Portuguese descent and moved to Australia from England.
- James Howe, Joanna Howe’s husband, made derogatory comments about Islam, calling it a “shit religion” and “primitive, barbaric”.
- Prof Anne Pattel-Gray criticised Christianity’s role in colonialism and violence towards Aboriginal people.
- The proportion of church attenders born overseas has risen to more than one in three, according to The Guardian.
- One Nation’s strong rhetoric against abortion may entice some Christians into the party fold.
- Pauline Hanson’s popularity is surging as her party extends its hand to Australia’s Christian community.
- One Nation’s vision for Australia includes returning it to “Judeo-Christian” values.