Pauline Hanson and One Nation colleagues turn their back on Acknowledgement of Country in parliament

• One Nation Senators turn their backs during Welcome to Country 

Pauline Hanson wasted no time stirring controversy as Parliament resumed, turning her back during the Senate's Acknowledgement of Country ceremony on day one.

The One Nation leader was joined in protest by her colleagues Malcolm Roberts and newly elected senators Warwick Stacey (NSW) and Tyron Whitten (WA).

Hanson has long railed against Welcome to Country ceremonies, labelling them 'unnecessary' and 'divisive.'

'I've made this protest on my own for years, but today, our whole team made it clear: we've had enough of being told we don't belong in our own country,' Hanson said on Tuesday.

'We took this stand because we're listening to Australians, hardworking, decent people who are sick of being lectured to in their own country.'

Back in September, the controversial Senator urged Australians to reject the tradition, claiming it excluded non-Indigenous people.

'If they are not to cater to white people, then why are white people constantly subjected to them? These welcomes are based on lies that Australia is not our home. So many people tell me they are just over it,' she said at the time.

She also argued the ceremonies had been allowed to 'fester for too long' and should be scrapped from public events entirely.

Hanson (right) and her fellow One Nation Senators turned their back during the Welcome to Country ceremony in the Senate on Tuesday

But Hanson's protest wasn't the only curveball she threw.

In a surprising twist, the Queensland senator nominated progressive Independent David Pocock to serve as President of the Senate, a political move that left many in the chamber stunned.

'I would like to nominate David Pocock,' Hanson said.

Pocock, a former Wallabies captain and senator for the ACT, is known for his strong stance on climate action and progressive reform, often clashing with Hanson's views.

Caught off guard, Pocock politely declined the nomination.

'I am very flattered that you would put me forward,' he said. 'I would politely decline the nomination, but thank you.'

Ultimately, Labor's Sue Lines was re-elected Senate President, a role she's held since 2022.

Though Pocock was once a crucial swing vote during the Albanese government's first term, Labor's bolstered Senate numbers now mean it only needs the Greens' support to pass legislation.

David Pocock (pictured) was taken aback when nominated by Hanson for Senate President, which he politely declined

Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party has seen its numbers grow from 2 to 4 at the last election

Hanson wasn't the only senator making a statement on opening day.

Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi held up a pro-Palestine sign during Governor-General Sam Mostyn's address to mark the start of the 48th Parliament.

Hanson is no stranger to headline-grabbing stunts.

In 2017, she entered the Senate chamber wearing a burqa to push her campaign for banning the religious garment, a move that was widely condemned, including by then-Attorney-General George Brandis, who called it 'appalling.'

Parliament returned on Tuesday for the first time since the May 3 election and will sit for two weeks.

 Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Sussan Ley are set to face off in their first Question Time on Wednesday.