'I have a problem with his religion, not his skin colour': Hanson says of departing CEO

Pauline Hanson has admitted to having a problem with the religion of the departing boss of Australia Post, while denying that she objects to his skin colour in a Sydney radio interview.

The outspoken politician lashed out at Ahmed Fahour during an interview on the Kyle and Jackie O show on Friday morning, after the controversial CEO and practicing Muslim questioned whether her real problem with him was with his race and religion in a television appearance the night before.

The pair traded barbs after Mr Fahour said the job wasn't as easy as "running a fish and chip shop" while resigning on Thursday, in a thinly-veiled swipe at the senator, who once ran a store in Ipswich, Queensland.

During her interview with KIIS 106.5 Ms Hanson said: "I don't have a problem with the colour of his skin".

"I do have a problem with his religion, if he's actually a fundamentalist and follows the Koran to the letter, which I think denigrates women," she said.

The executive resigned after a public outcry when his $5.6 million salary was released.

Ms Hanson had heavily critisised his earnings at the time.

The next CEO of Australia Post is unlikely to take home the same pay packet as Mr Fahour, after the Turnbull government announced a tribunal will now determine the pay and conditions of future directors.

It was announced the Remuneration Tribunal will require the Australia Post Board to justify the future CEO's salary is proportionate to the responsibility of the role.

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Mr Fahour said his decision to resign after seven years in the chair was not based on the salary controversy.

"It's time. My job is done," he said. "I've achieved everything I needed to achieve.

"I've had a pretty fair innings. It is time to give someone else a go."

In her radio interview Ms Hanson also weighed in on the performance of Australia Post in rural communities.

"Do I have a problem with the Australia Post? A lot of people are complaining about the costs of the stamps that have gone up, from 70 cents to $1," she said.

"Post offices in the bush are shutting down. They are struggling to survive and yet this follows $5.6 million, which I think is unjustified, atrocious, and disgusting to think that taxpayers are paying that."

After his swipe at her fish and chip shop Ms Hanson took to Twitter on Thursday to criticise the departing CEO.

She posted that at least her shop had not made a $221 million loss.

Ms Hanson also implied that Mr Farhoud was resigning before Senate estimates because he had something to hide.

Mr Fahour accused Ms Hanson of racism during a TV interview on Thursday.

"Does she have a real issue with how Australia Post is performing or does she have an issue with the colour of my skin or my religion," Mr Fahour asked on the show.

"If it is about the business, I am more than delighted to talk about the complexities of running a parcels online, e-commerce business.

"If it's another issue about how I support social inclusion in this country and how we make sure that this beautiful multicultural country that we live in, that we can actually live together and appreciate and love each other, if the issue is let's have a debate about that, then no problems at all.

Documents published earlier this month showed managing director Ahmed Fahour received a $4.4 million salary and a $1.2m bonus last financial year, more than 10 times the salary of Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

A further five executives earned between $1.8m and $1.3m.

Australia Post has said the salaries executives are paid do not come from taxpayer dollars.

Newsbreak – February 24