An Australian Greens MP has revealed how he shook hands with firebrand anti-immigrant MP Pauline Hanson wearing a burqa in “solidarity”, not realising it was a stunt.

Ms Hanson, leader of the right-wing One Nation party, caused a furore when she entered the Senate wearing the face-covering garment.

Greens MP Peter Whish-Wilson told BuzzFeed News Australia’s political podcast 'Is It On?' he saw a “woman in full dress and burka” being followed around by security guards as he walked to Question Time.