Australia politicians attack 9-year-old girl for not standing during national anthem

A nine-year-old girl in Australia was attacked by multiple politicians for not standing up during the national anthem played at her school out of respect for the nation's indigenous population, reports said.

Kenmore South State School grade four student Harper Nielsen was given detention and threatened with suspension for not standing when 'Advance Australia Fair' was played in assembly.

Australia's indigenous population represents about 2 per cent of the total population but has a lower life expectancy and twice the infant mortality rate than the rest of the country.

Nielsen was attacked by politicians, including her state senator, Pauline Hanson, the leader of the right-wing One Nation party.

Controversial right-wing senator Pauline Hanson said Australian schools were "brainwashing" children and called for Nielsen to be "taken out" of her school in a video statement posted on social media.

"It's about who we are as a nation, it's part of us ... Here we have a kid who's been brainwashed and I'll tell you what, I'd give her a kick up the backside," she said in the video, Wednesday.

"This kid is headed down the wrong path and I blame the parents for encouraging this."

Queensland Liberal National politician Jarrod Bleijie, the state's shadow minister for Education, said Nielsen was a "brat."

"Shame on her parents for using her as a political pawn. Stop the silly protest and stand and sing proudly your National Anthem," Bleijie said on Twitter, adding that sitting during the anthem disrespected Australian veterans.

Harper Nielsen’s parents said they were proud of her for the protest and her display of bravery, reports said.