Pauline Hanson wants kids with disabilities taken out of "normal" classrooms, because they're "holding back" kids who want to learn.
Speaking in the Australian Senate, the controversial One Nation leader singled out children on the autism spectrum as being particularly disruptive.
"These kids have a right to an education by all means, but if there is a number of them these children should actually go into a special classroom, looked after and given that special attention," Ms Hanson said.
"Most of the time the teacher spends so much time on them they forget about the child who... wants to go ahead in leaps and bounds in their education but are held back by those because the teachers spend time with them."
Ms Hanson went on to say it was more important that kids who want to learn aren't held back, than avoiding upsetting kids with disabilities.
Other Senators rejected Ms Hanson's views, reports Channel 9.
"Not only is it great for them but it is also great for those students who don't have disabilities," said independent Jacqui Lambie.
"They learn more compassion, they learn how to deal with these matters it gives them coping mechanisms for the rest of their lives."
Western Sydeny MP Emma Husar said students with disabilities were "better" than Ms Hanson, reports Fairfax.
"I've got one thing to say to every single child on the autism spectrum who is going into a classroom today... that you can be included and you ought to be included.
"And even on the days that are hard, and you are frustrated, and your disability makes you angry - you are still better than she is on her best day."
Ms Husar's 10-year-old son has autism.
Opposition leader Bill Shorten read a message he received from the mother of a disabled student who was disgusted by Ms Hanson's comments.
"To hear one of our parliamentarians argue that kids with a disability don't belong in mainstream classes doesn't shock me, but it does break my heart all over again."
Ms Hanson has had a controversial two decades in politics, best known for her anti-immigration and anti-Islam stances.
She says autism is "on the rise", and has a history of dabbling in anti-vaccine conspiracies.
Newshub.
