Hanson ‘regrets’ hurt caused by remark about ‘primitive’ First Nations people

Pauline Hanson has expressed “regret” for describing Australia’s Indigenous people as “the most primitive race on earth”, saying it “wasn’t my intention to hurt people”.

Speaking after a barrage of criticism from across the political spectrum at her remarks, made on a podcast last year, she also said she was referring to First Nations people at the time of settlement, not at present.

“If we go back at the time of settlement in Australia, they were primitive compared to the settlers that came out here from England”, she said on News24.

“But I’m not talking those terms now.” Questioned about the backlash against her, including from Liberal Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, Hanson said: “I’ve always put my foot in my mouth in the way I come out and say things.

I’m not the most eloquent speaker in how I deliver something, what I say.” She said she had always called for equality for all Australians and for people not to be treated differently because of their race.

“I’ve always called out for accountability.

I’ve called out the third world living conditions.

I’ve called out the rape that is going on in these communities, and no one has done a damn thing about it.

"I’ve travelled to these communities.

A lot of Aboriginal people support me because they feel they have been used as pawns in this, and it needs to be addressed.” She continued to criticise teaching Aboriginal children Indigenous languages that “no longer is going to give them a job or give them any future”.

Hanson defended her criticism the prime minister’s late mother for living in public housing for decades, which have also come under attack.

On this she also offered an apology.

“I raised a comment with regards to housing commissions.

My comments were not in distaste towards Anthony Albanese’s mother.