Key facts
- Barnaby Joyce claimed Australia is a Christian nation founded on Christian principles.
- He asserted that many First Nations people would agree with this view.
- Joyce made these remarks at an anti-abortion gala where he was honored.
- Critics contend that Christianity's introduction to Australia was tied to colonialism and injustice.
- Historical religious missions often housed First Nations people for conversion and labor.
- Christian affiliation among Indigenous Australians was 54% in 2016.
- Overall Christian identification in Australia was 43.9% in 2021.
- Political analysts suggest extreme right-wing positions can deter mainstream voters.
Barnaby Joyce, a Member of Parliament for New England, has asserted that Australia is a 'Christian nation' founded on Christian principles, adding that many First Nations people would concur with this view. Joyce made these statements over the weekend in Sydney at an anti-abortion gala where he was presented with an award for 'political courage.'
During an exchange posted on social media, Benjamin van der Linden of Make Australia Christian Again asked Joyce about the nation's religious identity. Joyce responded affirmatively, stating that Australia was 'premised on Christian principles' and that 'a lot of Indigenous people would tell you straight up and proper Australia’s a Christian nation.' These comments come amid a long-term decline in adherence to Christian denominations in Australia, while figures like One Nation leader Pauline Hanson maintain that Australians live in a 'predominantly a Judeo-Christian society.'
The gala organizer, Joanna Howe, a controversial anti-abortion activist, also shared on social media that Joyce and One Nation's Hunter candidate, Stuart Bonds, had accepted the 'political courage' award. Howe had previously hosted Joyce at a rally in June advocating for reduced abortion access in New South Wales. Howe has also expressed support for Hanson's concept of a 'monoculture,' which she believes includes assimilated immigrants.
In a separate interview at the event, Joanna Howe's husband, James Howe, attributed positive aspects of Australia to its Christian roots. He also made disparaging remarks about Islam, calling it a 'shit religion' and 'primitive, barbaric.' The couple, in a recent podcast appearance, expressed a lack of national pride in India and stated their children should not identify as 'Indian Australians.'
Professor Anne Pattel-Gray, an academic director at the University of Queensland, critically responded to Joyce's comments, stating that Christianity was brought to Australia through 'colonial objectives, denial and theft.' She argued that 'colonial Christianity' justified significant injustices and violence against Aboriginal people. While many churches have apologized for their role in the Stolen Generations, Pattel-Gray deemed such apologies 'hollow' without reparations. Historically, First Nations people were often compelled to live in religious missions established by churches, intended for conversion and preparation for menial labor.
Data from 2016 indicated that 54% of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population identified with a Christian affiliation. At the 2021 census, 43.9% of all Australians identified as Christian, with 38.9% reporting 'no religion.'
Professor Chris Wallace from the University of Canberra suggested that while right-wing groups may unite on specific issues, their 'feral extremism' can alienate mainstream voters. Wallace believes One Nation's success is built on fringe positions, attracting disgruntled voters who may be casting protest votes. She cautioned that doubling down on issues like abortion might not enhance their success, as Australian elections are often won from the political center.
Dr. Prudence Flowers, a lecturer in US history, noted in June that anti-abortion rhetoric is increasingly intertwined with anti-migration sentiments, linking abortion rates with population and 'whiteness.' Flowers described this combination as a 'noxious brew of anti-feminism, anti-abortion and anti-immigration.' The Howes and One Nation did not respond to requests for comment.