SYDNEY, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Controversial Australian Senator Pauline Hanson has been welcomed to attend incoming U.S. President Donald Trump's Inauguration, but Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull found himself without an invite.
The Queensland senator says although the invitation would have been a "fantastic opportunity", she is declining in as her "duties to the people of Queensland and Australia come first."
The far-right leader of the One Nation party consistently made her support of Trump known throughout his successful campaign, and toasted his victory on the steps of Australia's parliament building, back in November.
"I can see in Donald Trump a lot of me and what I stand for in Australia. I think it's great," Hanson said at the time.
Prime Minister Turnbull confirmed on Monday that unlike Hanson, he had not received an invitation to the event.
"I am very busy here as you can see as prime minister of this country looking after the interests of hard working Australian families," Turnbull told reporters when asked about the inauguration.
Turnbull recently committed to greater partnerships with the U.S., but his pro-TPP (Trans Pacific Partnership) stance is in direct contrast to the incoming American leader who has vowed to put an end to the free trade agreement upon being sworn into office.
The U.S. Presidential inauguration will be held on Jan. 20, 2017 in Washington.
