One Nation Senator Peter Georgiou has rejected one of his party's most controversial policies, a ban on Muslim immigration to Australia.
Speaking on ABC Radio yesterday the West Australian senator said his parents were Greek immigrants who embraced Australia, and his views on immigration policy differed his party's.
“If they’re Muslim and they’ve passed the checks the Australian government has on them, then I don’t see it as an issue," he said.
“That is different to my party’s policy, and everyone thinks different in the party’s policy and we all have different views."
The new senator, who in March replaced disqualified Senator Rod Culleton, said he had not discussed his objection with the party.
“My parents are immigrants, they came here 42 years ago, so we all embraced Australia. I’ve been a very lucky person to be raised in Australia," he said.
"Australia’s given me lots of opportunities and I’m grateful for it.
“As long as people who want to come to Australia embrace Australia and embrace the culture like my parents did and learn the language and integrate, then I can’t see it being an issue.”
The senator said he would talk about the party's policy internally.
“Everything’s up for discussion,” he said.
Senator Georgiou assumed his senate spot in March after the High Court found Culleton, his brother-in-law, was never eligible to have been elected due to a larceny conviction.
One Nation's tough line on Islam is a key plank of the party's policy platform, echoing leader Pauline Hanson's tough talk against Asian immigrants over a decade ago.
The party has called for a ban on Muslim immigration, including the intake of Muslim refugees, "until we can assure the safety of Australians".
Other policies on Islam include the installation of surveillance cameras in mosques and Islamic schools, a ban on new mosque construction, and a ban on burqas and niqabs in public places.
The party has also called for a Royal Commission into Islam, which it has branded a "totalitarian political system".
