A silent protest by four One Nation senators who turned their backs during an Acknowledgement of Country in the Senate has drawn strong condemnation from across the political spectrum.

The incident occurred during the ceremonial opening of parliament on Tuesday, when the traditional statement of respect for First Nations peoples was read aloud. Instead of standing in observance, the four right-wing senators from Pauline Hanson’s party physically turned away from the proceedings, a move that Cabinet Minister Clare O’Neil slammed as “disrespectful and rude and childish”.

“It’s disappointing that their actions became a point of focus, especially on a day when there were so many beautiful moments of unity during the Welcome to Country ceremonies,” Ms O’Neil said on Wednesday. “To treat people that way on the first day of parliament was absolutely appalling.”

The protest has reignited debate around the role of Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country protocols in national life, which some conservative voices have recently branded “divisive”.

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson defended her party’s actions, repeating her long-standing view that the Acknowledgement of Country has become “increasingly forced” and politically charged.

Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie offered a more nuanced take, saying that while she personally listened respectfully to the statement, others had a right to express differing views. “The problem in a liberal democracy like ours is when we can’t express different views,” she told Sunrise. She likened the action to MPs who choose to walk out during morning prayers or decline to support the monarchy.

But Minister O’Neil rejected that framing, arguing that First Nations guests had extended a hand of welcome to parliamentarians and deserved better treatment. “Whatever your views about the Welcome to Country, this was about showing respect,” she said. “We were being invited to reflect on 65,000 years of heritage that enrich our country.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also weighed in, praising the ceremony as a meaningful way to open parliament and reflect on Australia’s shared history. “Like a lot of the more positive things about our nation, we shouldn’t take it for granted,” he said, adding that the Acknowledgement of Country “should not be controversial”.

The incident comes amid growing tension around Indigenous cultural protocols, with recent flashpoints including the booing of a Welcome to Country address by a neo-Nazi group during an Anzac Day dawn service in Melbourne.

Despite the backlash, the federal government reaffirmed its commitment to the practice, with Deputy Opposition Leader Sussan Ley also noting the symbolic importance of the ceremony. “It set the tone as we re-commit ourselves to the taking of practical action to improve lives and expand opportunity for Indigenous Australians in every part of our great country,” she said.

Welcome to Country ceremonies are conducted by Traditional Owners, while Acknowledgement of Country is a statement of respect for Indigenous peoples and connection to land, and can be made by anyone, regardless of background.

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