Australian senator egged after racist comments following New Zealand mosque terror attacks

E-Paper | April 27, 2026

Australian senator egged after racist comments following New Zealand mosque terror attacks

AFP Published March 16, 2019

An unnamed young man threw an egg at Anning during a press conference in Melbourne, prompting the senator to hit him in the face repeatedly before being stopped by what appeared to be a security guard. — AP

A far-right Australian senator had to be restrained by security officials on Saturday after punching a young man protesting his offensive comments about the Christchurch mosque terror attacks.

Queensland Senator Fraser Anning drew international condemnation for his efforts to blame the attack that killed 49 worshippers on immigration.

Amid the controversy, an unnamed young man threw an egg at Anning during a press conference in Melbourne, prompting the senator to hit him in the face repeatedly before being stopped by what appeared to be a security guard.

In a statement on Friday, Anning had said the attack which killed 49 worshippers in the southern New Zealand city was the result of Muslim immigration into the country.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison described Anning's comments as "appalling" and "ugly" with "no place in Australia", as he announced a bipartisan motion of censure would be launched.

Anning was elected in 2017 by a fluke of Australia's proportional voting system, having received only 19 first preference votes.

He is unlikely to be reelected when Australians go to the polls in a vote expected this May.

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Islamophobia

World

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Anti-Corruption_Pakistani

Mar 16, 2019 02:04pm

Such people like Australian senator incite hatered and should be removed from their position. Sadly, 49 innocent Muslims were killed by an evil Australian man, blaming immigrants, who help countries like US, Canada, UK, Australia and New Zealand to prosper - this must be the joke of the century. (ACP - Gharib Awam ki Awaz).

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Changez Khan

Mar 16, 2019 02:20pm

The people like Senator Fraser Anning are the cause of these violence who incite hatred.

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Von Aden

Mar 16, 2019 02:26pm

His great great grand father Steven Jones Anning was a habitual thief and convicted several times in New Castle, Great Britain circa 1850. The last time he was convicted, sentenced and banished to Australia, re The South Australia Chronicle.

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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad

Mar 16, 2019 02:35pm

In fact, there are plenty of racist, bigot, prejudiced, biased and crazy people like him all over the world stemming from the "Trump Club of Haters," who must be dealt with as per the "rule of law" immediately and swiftly.

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K Ahmad

Mar 16, 2019 02:45pm

Racist guy spreading hatred.

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Sajjad

Mar 16, 2019 02:58pm

Pakistani Democracy is way ahead theb australia. Pakistan sacked a minister who ridiculed Hindu community.

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Salman UK

Mar 16, 2019 03:07pm

Shocked to read - this elected representative felt OK to write this Islamophobic statement! Is there no law in Australia to charge this man of inciting hatred against immigrants and Muslims?

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Newborn

Mar 16, 2019 03:10pm

Well, this video actually makes him look stronger, not weak.

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AZAM AKBAR

Mar 16, 2019 03:19pm

Hatred is against humanity.

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khan

Mar 16, 2019 03:45pm

This senator neither knows history nor has any common sense. The victims of the the so called war on terror are Muslims. Furthermore, it is a historical fact that Australia was populated by convicted criminals.

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Gordon D. Walker

Mar 16, 2019 03:51pm

Outrageous behaviour and totally insensitive... Gordon D. Walker Canada

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Rani

Mar 16, 2019 04:00pm

He belongs to the Trump and Modi camp of hate and prejudice

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HamidSyed

Mar 16, 2019 04:47pm

@Rani, I, am utterly disgusted that people like Anning are senator . He instead on condemning the massacre is uttering non sense. Nevertheless you can not expect any thing noble from the off shoots of criminals who were exiled by Britishers as a punishment after conviction.

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Jehengir khan

Mar 16, 2019 05:50pm

This senator is as disgusting as terrorists....

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Faisal Khorasani

Mar 16, 2019 07:03pm

@Changez Khan, .... It is not that simple.

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Hafeez

Mar 16, 2019 07:11pm

He should be behind bars for inciting terrorism.

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Himm D

Mar 16, 2019 07:17pm

All need to introspect their policy and attitude...

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Asif-CA

Mar 16, 2019 07:24pm

Should have been egg of Ostrich.

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Rohail

Mar 16, 2019 07:38pm

If Pakistani politicians didn’t looted people’s monies, bought businesses and properties in foreign countries and created opportunities for people; why would they left and lived in foreign countries. Let’s raise voice 100x more against corruption and force current government to bring all stolen money back and put held responsible in jails.

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jaredlee007

Mar 16, 2019 07:41pm

This senator represents so many racists who quietly tolerate immigration and intercultural integration efforts. They can't admit their ignorance so they elect people like this senator who himself is ignorant and arrogant. See what he did to a white kid who threw an egg on the senator. The senator slapped the kid, very shameful. These racists are actually losers, they don't want to work but want to live a comfortable life. When economy is good, they are happy. But when they lose jobs or face competition they blame others and others include not just immigrants but also white people. The issue is all about what group is vulnerable that can be blamed. If a racist white senator can't blame other whites then he is going to blame non-whites, immigrants, etc. If he does not get attention of christians then he will blame muslims, sikhs, hindus, etc. Immigrants should acquire knowledge and move out of racist countries, then these countries will be brought to their knees. It will happen soon.

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AZAM AKBAR

Mar 16, 2019 08:30pm

@Rani, Ms. Rani, Correct. These extremists don't know what humanity is. They never use terrorists for non-Muslims. Such people are of this opinion that Muslims are terrorists. But the terrorists don't belong to any religion.

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AZAM AKBAR

Mar 16, 2019 08:35pm

@HamidSyed, Mr. Hamid Syed, The family members of the criminals remain criminals. Nothing else.

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Azam Khan

Mar 16, 2019 08:38pm

People need to think what non whites & especially Muslims can do to stop this extremely dangerous trend of racism that is growing at such a speed that people can’t even imagine. Future for our children is dangerous unless really good hearted people in the west & generally around the globe stand up together and shut up the fascist white leaders. Wake up people & prevent another calamity of genocide.

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ahmed

Mar 16, 2019 08:41pm

Egg on his face is the right place for this undeserving senator. He should be publicly put to shame for being unAustralian. Shame on him.

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AXH

Mar 16, 2019 08:50pm

The Senator punched the person who had egged him and the guard restrained him. Now compare it with politicians in Pakistan where in such an incident, all guards would have jumped in and beaten the poor guy.

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Asif

Mar 16, 2019 08:52pm

Disgusted. After all he is am immigrant aswel as his grandparents or great great grandparents were shipped over to Australia from Britain as prisoners.....

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Atul

Mar 16, 2019 08:54pm

Violence against anyone is bad. The person who has thrown egg on the senator committed violence. Hate will not take us anywhere. Peace should be prevailed in the world.

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Pervez

Mar 16, 2019 08:54pm

This is childish and silly.

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Ashraf the great

Mar 16, 2019 08:54pm

Why cant India and Pakistan be mature and educated like NZ and Australia? Imagine an attack of this nature in India by a Pakistan national. We need to admire how mature the west is and learn from them.

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Pervez

Mar 16, 2019 08:54pm

@Sajjad, let's get real bro.

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dean

Mar 16, 2019 09:59pm

Eggcellent !! he richly deserved it.!!!

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NoPunIntended

Mar 16, 2019 10:10pm

After recent Indo - Pak tussle and watching Indian anchors -- I feel Pakistani anchors are angles. After Senator Fraser comments - I feel Pakistani democracy and a common person intellect are a way higher than Australian Senators.

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Mir Jehan Zeb,MD

Mar 16, 2019 10:19pm

They all are like this. He is just honest.

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VRPatil

Mar 16, 2019 10:42pm

Such mentality exists in every country, every religion, every race.In some countries they are majority and in most of the countries they are minority.Whats important is the collective mood of the nation whether it defends them or punishes them.

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Saif Rehman

Mar 16, 2019 11:04pm

Awesome work by this young man

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Hamed Quraishi

Mar 16, 2019 11:10pm

Same method in Germany by the disgusting rightist AFD PARTY. They are in the parliament having 13% of the seats. Other EU countries have the same type of parties.

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Ahsan Gul

Mar 16, 2019 11:24pm

Always, weak minds and weak bodies develop inferiority complex. You will never see braves and self assured prejudice.

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Hamed Quraishi

Mar 17, 2019 12:12am

@Von Aden, thanks!

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Moazzam Khan

Mar 17, 2019 12:28am

@Von Aden, That is really great to note, I believe people with such background and hatred thinking should not be allowed to be a Senator, someone should move impeachment for Fraser Anning, he does not deserve to hold public office.

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Moazzam Khan

Mar 17, 2019 12:42am

Senator Fraser Anning does not deserve to be a Senator.

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Mujtaba

Mar 17, 2019 12:47am

Atleast in other countries these sort of fools won’t be re-elected. In Pakistan, however we make them a lifetime politician.

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flying star

Mar 17, 2019 02:18am

This kind of senator Fraser manning,encourage the violence.

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brmurr

Mar 17, 2019 03:45am

@Rani, Specifics?

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brmurr

Mar 17, 2019 04:02am

@dean, Violence is not the answer.

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brmurr

Mar 17, 2019 04:05am

@Azam Khan , “fascist white leaders” Is this the only shade they come in? Think hard before you answer, otherwise you’re just as racist as they.

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Jason peras

Mar 17, 2019 04:08am

Its no surprise 95% of Australians are racist uneducated fools.

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brmurr

Mar 17, 2019 04:24am

@Asif , Relevance?

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brmurr

Mar 17, 2019 04:29am

@Sajjad, You mean very far behind, but goes without saying.

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Ron

Mar 17, 2019 04:35am

These type of non sense politicians increase hatred in society

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flying star

Mar 17, 2019 04:42am

Senator fraser anning ,supporter of terrorist.

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Hafeez

Mar 17, 2019 04:57am

@Anti-Corruption_Pakistani, .. very much true.

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M.Jan

Mar 17, 2019 07:46am

The real problem is not the existence of such hateful views by ignorant, deceitful, immoral thugs like this senator but the system that allows the spread of such hate. Social media, section of mainstream media and many right wing politicians have been facilitating extremism by wilfully ignoring distinction between free speech and hate speech. The terrorism that we just witnessed is a direct consequence of such attitudes towards hateful extremism.

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LAHORI KID

Mar 17, 2019 09:46am

I like to see the video of this guy getting egged.

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venky

Mar 17, 2019 11:07am

@Rani, I really condemn the statement by senator..but don't compare him with modi who is the leader of india having muslim population (2nd largest country in world) living with peace and harmony with other religions

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venka

Mar 17, 2019 11:16am

I like that video..he need to step out as senator..shame on him

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M.Jan

Mar 17, 2019 11:18am

@Jason peras, the majority of Australians are honest, rational and decent people believing in fair go for everyone. Australia does have it's issues including a degree of racism and a system that allows the likes of this hate preaching senator to sit in it's parliament. Overall though, Australia is one of the best places in the whole world.

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Javaid

Mar 17, 2019 11:29am

People like this Australian senator are the main culprits for inciting violence against immigrants.

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Sami

Mar 17, 2019 11:48am

Everyone, hellllo??? Where’s the love for the kid? He stood up for so many who are not here anymore. William, your parents did a wonderful job raising you, son. You are an amazing young man!

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sughra

Mar 17, 2019 08:30pm

Racial prejudice is global. It exists within the countries, among the countries and between the countries form continent to continent. There is no 'Perfect'. But there are peace-loving people who strongly take diversity as a positive opportunity for progress and there are others who get blinded by fear and anger. It is the later that brutally massacre innocents, using means whatever they have been raised with and trained with and the fire keeps burning far and wide.

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NASAH (USA)

Mar 18, 2019 04:01am

Senator Fraser Anning is a right wing terrorist - he should be locked lest another massacre occurs this time in Australia.

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The AngloIndian

Mar 18, 2019 05:46am

Perhaps his timing was wrong although implicitly referred to other tmes in other places around the world.

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Ron

Mar 18, 2019 07:15am

@Anti-Corruption_Pakistani, Totally agree. But if we look at your own backyard we will find most of our MPs are thriving on hatred.

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sri1

Mar 18, 2019 07:42am

Such leaders will keep on coming everywhere in the west till they get rid of all the people with mindsets that can never identify with western culture. Ditto with China, Sri Lanka, Myamnar, Thailand, Phillippines etc. Unlike India, but the change is coming in India too where certain mindsets will not be tolerated.

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sri1

Mar 18, 2019 07:45am

@Rani, "He belongs to the Trump and Modi camp of hate and prejudice" Yes, keep parroting that. Perhaps Modi will come back with more than fifty percent of the Indian Muslim vote.. Wait and watch.

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sana

Mar 18, 2019 09:44am

thats what he deserves ..an egg was not enough for him

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Jalil Yousaf

Mar 18, 2019 09:47am

Australians are all immigrants including the whites. This country belongs to aborigines. If immigration was a problem, senate should leave Australia and go back to where his ancestors belong to.

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Ajeya Jha

Mar 18, 2019 10:03am

@Anti-Corruption_Pakistani, Well no Muslim leader will be left then!!!!

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Babu

Mar 18, 2019 11:43am

Let people speak their views out, else they take out their anger through violent means.

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Babu

Mar 18, 2019 11:44am

People like Anning should be convinced through dialogue.

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NKAli

Mar 18, 2019 12:34pm

Hate speech by an ignorant man. Yes, the Australian senator is an ignorant man. Salams

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BAXAR

Mar 18, 2019 12:49pm

@M.Jan, "The real problem is not the existence of such hateful views by ignorant, deceitful, immoral thugs like this senator but the system that allows the spread of such hate. " The western world has to face the reality, they allow hatred and incitement for violence under the guise of freedom of speech and democracy. According to their own standards, his words are incitement for hatred and violence, but not prosecuted because the violence and hate he's preaching is not against "their own". The common people, like this young courageous boy will understand how dangerous it is.

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Raja

Mar 18, 2019 01:54pm

Good shot lad

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Mar 18, 2019 02:56pm

@Von Aden, that is the history of most australians, who were banished from respective lands and left there to rot

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BAXAR

Mar 18, 2019 04:41pm

@Babu, "People like Anning should be convinced through dialogue." Not a dialogue, prosecution. and you don't need to convince, just punish him.

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A. RIZVI

Mar 18, 2019 09:06pm

Love it!!! That's how you take a stand. Well done young man.

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