Barnaby Joyce backs Pauline Hanson on mass deportations, denies White Australia policy support

Australian politician Barnaby Joyce has defended comments made by One Nation leader Pauline Hanson regarding the deportation of individuals overstaying their visas. Joyce stated that those found not to be legally in the country would be "put on a plane and sent back to where they’re supposed to be."

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As it becomes apparent that they’re not supposed to be here, they’ll be put on a plane and sent back to where they’re supposed to be.

Hanson's remarks, particularly her enthusiastic endorsement of "mass deportations" during a trip to Europe, have sparked significant debate. The comments were made in the context of a podcast with Tommy Robinson and a meeting with a British far-right party leader. One Nation's website indicates a policy to deport 75,000 illegal migrants.

Adding to the controversy, Hanson's past comments suggesting the end of the White Australia policy contributed to current migration issues have also been scrutinized. Her daughter, Lee Hanson, and Joyce have both claimed that the media misinterpreted her statements. They assert that Hanson does not support the White Australia policy and wishes for its return, though they acknowledge she may not always be eloquent.

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I love it.

Joyce elaborated on the situation, suggesting a "chain of events" linked to the abolition of the White Australia policy has led to negative outcomes. He indicated that One Nation's approach would involve removing individuals from the country as their presence becomes apparent as unlawful.

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Under no way, shape, or form did she say she wished the White Australia policy hadn’t have been changed. She does not support it and she does not want it back. So I do believe it’s been taken out of context.