Australia’s federal Race Discrimination Commissioner and senior political figures have publicly condemned the leader of the One Nation party for comments about Islam and Muslim Australians that critics say stoke division and prejudice.

Senator Pauline Hanson, who heads the right-wing populist party, said in a televised interview this week that she was concerned about “what it says in the Koran” and questioned whether there are “good Muslims,” remarks that have provoked sustained backlash across the political spectrum.

The Race Discrimination Commissioner said the senator’s remarks risk “stigmatise and devalue” Muslim Australians and called on her to withdraw her comments and apologise to the community for the harm they have caused.

Senior state and federal politicians from different parties also criticised the statements, underscoring the importance of respect and unity in Australia’s multicultural society.

In subsequent media appearances, Senator Hanson issued a limited apology to Muslims she said do not support what she described as extreme practices, but reiterated broader concerns about what she characterised as ideological threats.

Her conditional apology did not satisfy critics, who described the remarks as insensitive and incompatible with Australia’s values of inclusion and mutual respect.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the comments were “wrong and cruel” and unworthy of someone in public office, while other senior politicians stressed the need for constructive debate on immigration and extremism that does not target entire communities.

Some members of Hanson’s own political circle declined to endorse her statements, reflecting unease among colleagues about the impact of her rhetoric.

The One Nation party, whose support has recently grown in opinion polls, faces questions about how its messaging on sensitive social issues might influence broader political discourse ahead of future elections.

Muslim community leaders and advocacy groups have also responded, reaffirming their contribution to Australian society and calling for political leadership that promotes cohesion.

The debate comes as Australia continues to navigate complex discussions over national identity, security and cultural diversity.