Senator Fraser Anning has faced criticism from across the political spectrum for his comments on Friday's mosque attacks in New Zealand

As the death toll rose to 49, the Queensland senator said the "real cause of bloodshed on New Zealand streets today is the immigration program which allowed Muslim fanatics to migrate to New Zealand in the first place".

AAP

"Whilst this kind of violent vigilantism can never be justified, what it highlights is the growing fear within our community, both in Australia and New Zealand, of the increasing Muslim presence," he said in a statement.

Mr Morrison was one of many who took to social media to criticise Senator Anning.

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"The remarks by Senator Fraser Anning blaming the murderous attacks by a violent, right-wing, extremist terrorist in New Zealand on immigration are disgusting," he said.

"Those views have no place in Australia, let alone the Australian Parliament."

The remarks by Senator Fraser Anning blaming the murderous attacks by a violent, right-wing, extremist terrorist in New Zealand on immigration are disgusting. Those views have no place in Australia, let alone the Australian Parliament. — Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) March 15, 2019

Opposition leader Bill Shorten said Senator Anning "deserves the contempt and condemnation of decent people everywhere".

"He does not speak for our parliament or our country," he said.

While families in Christchurch mourn for loved ones they’ve lost, an obscure Australian Senator saw this act of terrorism and tragedy as an opportunity to blame the murder victims. — Bill Shorten (@billshortenmp) March 15, 2019

He deserves the contempt and condemnation of decent people everywhere. He does not speak for our parliament or our country. — Bill Shorten (@billshortenmp) March 15, 2019

Former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull ‏called the comments "contemptible".

"He is a disgrace to the Senate and what is worse by spreading hatred and turning Australians against each other he is doing exactly what the terrorists want," he said.

Fraser Anning’s comments today are contemptible. He is a disgrace to the Senate and what is worse by spreading hatred and turning Australians against each other he is doing exactly what the terrorists want. — Malcolm Turnbull (@TurnbullMalcolm) March 15, 2019

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young drew the comparison between Senator Anning and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

"Thank goodness for the leadership and compassion of Jacinda Ardern. It is a stark contrast to the hate and ignorance of Fraser Anning," she said.

Thank goodness for the leadership and compassion of @jacindaardern. It is a stark contrast to the hate and ignorance of Fraser Anning. A man of little intellect, or care. A man not fit to call himself Australian, let alone be in the Parliament. — Sarah Hanson-Young💚 (@sarahinthesen8) March 15, 2019

"A man of little intellect, or care. A man not fit to call himself Australian, let alone be in the Parliament."

The statement has also attracted criticism from abroad, with Piers Morgan expressing "blind fury".

Are you f*cking kidding me???? This guy is an Australian senator? SHAME on you @fraser_anning.

I hope your fellow Australians respond to this disgusting statement with the same blind fury I am feeling. pic.twitter.com/W2XuX3fWkZ — Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) March 15, 2019

Senator Anning has a history of making divisive remarks.

Last year in August in his maiden speech to parliament, Mr Anning called for a ban on Muslim immigration and urged a return to the White Australia policy.

He also came under fire for attending a Melbourne rally in January organised by ultra-nationalists.