One Nation stands by cartoon calling Hastie a traitor amid backlash
One Nation posted a video labeling Liberal MP Andrew Hastie a traitor. This sparked criticism from veterans' groups.
One Nation posted a cartoon video on social media labeling Liberal frontbencher Andrew Hastie as a traitor. Hastie is a former SAS member who testified during the defamation trial of Ben Roberts-Smith.
Roberts-Smith is accused of war crimes. Defence Minister Richard Marles called the video very tasteless.
He said no one should call any veteran a traitor. The RSL said the video goes beyond politics.
Calling a former soldier a traitor sends a harmful message to the veteran community. Pauline Hanson denies calling Hastie a traitor.
She describes the post as satirical. One Nation Senator Sean Bell defended the cartoon.
The party stands by it.
- Richard Marles
- Defense Minister
- Former SAS member
- MP's service
- RSL Australia
- Veterans group
Why it mattersThe clash raises questions about political speech and how far it should go in attacking a serving MP who risked his life in military service.
AustraliaThe row between One Nation and a Liberal MP tests how Australian politicians treat service veterans and what language is acceptable in political debate.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 19 h ago
