Former Australian Football League (AFL) star Sam Newman has publicly defended controversial remarks made by Senator Pauline Hanson about Indigenous Australians. Hanson’s comments, which resurfaced recently, described Indigenous people as ‘the most primitive race on Earth.’ Newman echoed and expanded upon these sentiments on his podcast, sparking further debate.
Pauline Hanson’s Original Remarks and Apology
Senator Hanson’s controversial statements originated from an appearance on the Jamie J Podcast last year. During the interview, she recounted a conversation with a teacher from Western Australia and expressed her view that too much emphasis was placed on Indigenous studies in schools. This led her to offer a broader critique of Indigenous Australians, asserting that they had contributed little to the nation despite a long history on the continent. She stated, ‘They’re the most primitive race on Earth.’
Following the resurfacing of this footage, Senator Hanson issued a qualified apology. She stated on Tuesday, ‘If I offended people by using that (term, ‘primitive’), yes, I will apologise for that.’ She acknowledged that hurting people was not her intention and admitted she was ‘not the most eloquent speaker.’
Sam Newman’s Defence and Further Comments
On his podcast, ‘You Cannot Be Serious,’ Sam Newman, alongside Melbourne Underground Film Festival director Richard Wolstencroft, offered a strong defence of Hanson’s remarks. Newman described them as ‘extremely fair.’ When Wolstencroft brought up the controversy, Newman supported Hanson’s position, reiterating, ‘Extremely fair about the Indigenous people being primitive.’ He questioned how one could not hold such a view.
Newman then elaborated on his own perspective, stating, ‘It’s not necessarily decrying or degrading or defiling Aboriginals, but like a lot of white people, they are basically a lazy and idle race.’ He acknowledged that this statement would likely be interpreted as critical but added, ‘So are plenty of white people and there’s plenty of success stories in the Aboriginal community and good on them.’
Further expanding on his views, Newman claimed there was ‘not one tangible thing’ to demonstrate 60,000 years of Aboriginal culture and argued that Indigenous Australians had not made significant structural contributions to building the nation. This assertion has been met with counter-arguments highlighting documented Indigenous achievements.
Criticism and Counterarguments
Newman’s comments and his defence of Hanson’s remarks have drawn significant criticism from various political figures and commentators. Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, whom Newman praised on his podcast, condemned Hanson’s statements. Price stated that Hanson demonstrated ‘wilful ignorance’ and that there was ‘a hell of a lot more to Australia’s first people than simply what her remarks suggest.’ Price emphasized that the tone and inflection of Hanson’s remarks were problematic, regardless of any excuses made.
Indigenous Affairs Minister Malarndirri McCarthy also rejected Hanson’s comments, labelling them ‘completely baseless’ and stating they ‘harm’ and ‘dehumanise First Nations people in Australia.’ Opposition to Hanson’s original statements also came from Labor, Liberal, and crossbench parliamentarians.
Newman’s claim about the lack of tangible contributions from 60,000 years of Aboriginal culture overlooks significant historical evidence. For instance, the Budj Bim Cultural Landscape, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site, showcases sophisticated Gunditjmara aquaculture systems. These channels, weirs, and dams were developed over at least 6,600 years to effectively trap, store, and harvest eels, demonstrating advanced engineering and environmental management.
Newman on Cultural Ceremonies
The discussion on Newman’s podcast also extended to his views on Indigenous cultural ceremonies. He specifically criticised ‘Welcome to Country’ ceremonies, including one held before an AFL game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Newman dismissed these ceremonies as ‘just showboating’ and ‘absolutely gratuitous nonsense.’
He further advised listeners on how to react to such ceremonies at sporting events, urging them to ‘Don’t applaud.’ He clarified that this was not about booing or turning away but simply withholding applause.
Political Stance
During the podcast episode, Sam Newman explicitly declared his political support for Pauline Hanson and her party, stating, ‘Well, I’m a Hanson supporter.’ This defence of Hanson’s comments comes at a time when her remarks have faced widespread condemnation across the political spectrum.
Senator Hanson’s original interview also questioned the educational value of teaching Aboriginal culture and languages, reiterating her claim that Indigenous Australians had ‘achieved nothing.’ The controversy highlights ongoing tensions and differing perspectives regarding Indigenous history, culture, and contributions within Australia.
Conclusion
The exchange between Sam Newman and Richard Wolstencroft on the ‘You Cannot Be Serious’ podcast has amplified the controversy surrounding Pauline Hanson’s remarks about Indigenous Australians. Newman’s defence and his own critical statements about Indigenous culture and contributions have drawn sharp criticism, particularly from those who view his comments as perpetuating harmful stereotypes and demonstrating ignorance of Indigenous history and achievements. The debate underscores the sensitivity and importance of discussions surrounding Australia’s Indigenous heritage and the impact of public commentary on reconciliation efforts.
