'I am not a racist - criticism is not racism': Pauline Hanson addresses Queensland rally

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has declared she is not a racist during a rally against Islam in Brisbane.

Ms Hanson, who narrowly lost her fight for a seat in the 2015 Queensland election, joined hundreds of protesters in King George Square.

Many were draped in the Australian flag and carried signs denouncing sharia law and halal certification for Australian products.

The group Reclaim Australia is holding nationwide rallies against "sharia law, halal tax and Islamisation".

But the rally was not an exercise in racism, Ms Hanson said.

"We have people here today who stand against racism. Thank you for your support," she said.

"So do I."

Ms Hanson said she and her supporters had endured trial by media and those with hidden agendas.

"Let my fellow Australians judge me on what I say. Don't deny me the right to have our say," she said.

"I am not a racist. Criticism is not racism."

Ms Hanson said she was merely a proud Australian fighting for the country's democracy, culture and way of life.

Tempers flared as a counter-rally was held opposite the event and at least 30 police officers kept the two groups separate.

"Go home bigots, go home," members of the counter-rally chanted.

But Reclaim Australia speaker David Truman said their opponents were using tired and untrue slogans.

"They hate free speech. They use fascist tactics to try and shut it down," he said.

"I've got news for you and for them - we are not racists or supremacists of any kind."