49 Senator Faruqi explained that there are already many barriers for political outsiders like her, and that every time she rises above the barriers – like becoming a Senator – she has to consider the repercussions and toll of that. She has to make decisions about whether she responds to racist vitriol, or whether she remains quiet and merely absorbs the hatred. She said that choosing to stay silent means that the racist vitriol continues, but standing up and calling it out means that it is directed more intensely at her. Being a public figure does not inure her from the harm and psychological damage that comes from experiencing racism.
50 The emotional toll is an everyday experience, which felt so much worse when the attack came from a workplace colleague, Senator Hanson. Senator Faruqi experienced Senator Hanson's tweet as "a direct attack from a colleague" in her workplace; "a very direct attack from a colleague with a big platform." Senator Faruqi finds it extremely stressful being in a workplace with someone who has attacked her in that way. She said that she has a physiological reaction to going into the Senate chamber to sit in close proximity to someone who has caused so much distress for her.
51 Senator Faruqi accepts that it is perfectly acceptable for Senator Hanson to object and respond to her comments about the Queen and to engage in a debate about the Queen's legacy. However, she found being told to "piss off back" to where she came from as insulting, offensive and humiliating.
52 It is not just the final sentiment of "piss off back to Pakistan" that Senator Faruqi found offensive and insulting. The first part of Senator Hanson's tweet about Senator Faruqi being an immigrant and not having the right to the same things or opportunities that other people have in Australia including the same right or opportunity to express herself was experienced by her as being insulting and humiliating. Senator Faruqi also felt intimidated by the tweet because her workplace was made to feel hostile and unsafe. She felt that it could happen again, and that there is a threat of physical violence from people who might feel emboldened or encouraged by Senator Hanson's tweet.
53 On the day that Senator Faruqi announced to the media that she was commencing this proceeding, she received a threat on social media that included the street address of her electoral office and the words "See you real soon you fucking dead cunt."
54 Senator Faruqi was an impressive witness. She was thoughtful and careful in her evidence, and despite significant provocation in cross-examination retained her composure and grace. I
