At the Bondi vigil, Pauline and Barnaby turned tragedy into opportunism. It is inexcusable

Hanson has done more than any other politician to foster division in Australia. Her words to mourners after the horrific attack ring hollow

Mourners crowded around a sea of flowers behind the Bondi Pavilion on Tuesday, quietly singing a traditional song of peace. Shalom, shalom, they whispered in unison, grief settling in like the grey clouds above.

The emotional intensity of the moment was suddenly broken by shouts: “Albo must go”, and then a rejoinder, “What did you do? You’re in the parliament too.” The singing stopped. Confused, I looked over.

There, standing at the front of the crowd, surrounded by besuited security personnel and journalists, were two of the most egregious opportunists ever to be elected to the Australian parliament – Pauline Hanson and Barnaby Joyce.

Amid the press of modestly dressed people, their faces contorted by sadness, the duo stood out, dressed to perform for the cameras.

Hanson, who has done more than any other politician to foster division since she was first elected in 1996, was talking about freedom and safety and the right to live “without fear”. Hanson said she wanted hate preachers “rounded up”. And reiterated the rallying call of her career, “Let’s get back the Australia I grew up in … I look at the people we are bringing to the country. Certain countries they should not be allowed to migrate here.”

Some, including a man in a Maga cap, clearly welcomed her empty words, holding up their phones to capture them and then pressing even closer for selfies. “We love you Pauline”, “You’re the only one who speaks the truth.”

Not everyone agreed.

Pauline and Barnaby are Media whores like yourself.

You're like the CIA funding Dictatorships in South America, while putting on a show in the Media saying how bad they are.