What issue was Barnaby Joyce being grilled on during the interview?

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Barnaby Joyce was questioned about Pauline Hanson's meeting with Tommy Robinson and related comments.

During a live television interview on the national broadcaster ABC, Barnaby Joyce was being pressed by journalist Sarah Ferguson regarding his party leader Pauline Hanson's recent engagement with Tommy Robinson, a prominent British far-right figure. The interview also touched upon comments made by Hanson concerning the "White Australia" policy and their impact on contemporary Australian society.
Hanson's Meeting with Tommy Robinson

The central focus of the grilling involved Pauline Hanson's decision to appear on a podcast with Tommy Robinson. Robinson, who transitioned from being a football hooligan to an anti-Islam activist, has seen his public profile rise significantly in recent years. Hanson's engagement with him generated considerable attention and criticism in Australia.
Comments on the "White Australia" Policy

Further contributing to the controversy, Hanson had reportedly told Robinson that the dismantling of the "White Australia" policy in the 1970s was, in part, responsible for current societal problems in Australia. This policy historically aimed to restrict non-white immigration. While Hanson later asserted she was not advocating for a return to that policy, her remarks drew significant backlash.
Joyce's Reaction and Broader Context

Joyce's interview was notably interrupted by his own dog, leading to an outburst where he repeatedly told the animal to "sit down." This incident, alongside the political questioning, garnered widespread attention. Joyce, a former deputy prime minister, attributed the public reaction to a perceived divide between urban and rural Australians, suggesting that such incidents are viewed differently by these demographics. One Nation, a party historically led by Pauline Hanson, has experienced a surge in popularity according to recent opinion polls.

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What issue was Barnaby Joyce being grilled on during the interview?

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