Australian politicians have attacked a nine-year-old girl and called her a brat for refusing to stand during the country's national anthem to protest treatment of the nation's Indigenous population, CNN reported on Wednesday.

Harper Nielsen, a resident of the state of Queensland, said the words of the national anthem completely disregard the indigenous Australians and was written only for white people.

Controversial right-wing senator Pauline Hanson said schools were "brainwashing" children and insisted that Nielsen should be taken out of school, adding that, "this kid is headed down the wrong path and I blame the parents for encouraging this."

Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said the girl should "follow the rules" and that, "it's just a sign of good manners and courtesy to stand for the national anthem."

Nielsen was given detention last week for "blatant disrespect" for not singing the anthem, according to the BBC.

Nielsen’s parents said they were "proud" of their daughter for showing "incredible bravery" and said she felt it was time to "raise awareness and get people thinking," according to CNN.

Other prominent people, such as television host Georgie Gardner, praised the girl for her "strength and character,” telling the BBC, "I do applaud her for considering the words of the national anthem, a lot of people just rattle it off and don't consider the meaning."

The Queensland Department of Education said the school had never suggested Nielsen would be expelled or suspended and has tried to be respectful of her wishes by providing alternatives, CNN reported.

• Trump Slams Nike, NFL Over Flag Flap
• Nike Sales Up 31 Percent Since Start of Kaepernick Campaign