Joyce questions uncorroborated One Nation racial slur claim
One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce cannot verify a fired staffer's claim. The staffer said someone at party HQ used a racial slur.
Fired One Nation staffer Charles Swindon alleged that an unnamed person at One Nation headquarters yelled a racial slur at NITV journalist John-Paul Janke. This happened during Pauline Hanson's National Press Club address in June.
Swindon said he saw it happen. Barnaby Joyce told SBS News he was not present.
He cannot back up the story. Joyce said if someone spoke that way around him, he would not accept it.
He defended One Nation's Indigenous policies. The party wants stronger control of government spending.
It does not want race-based programs. Swindon responded on social media.
He said Joyce should be more direct.
- John-Paul Janke, NITV
- Journalist
- June National Press Club address
- Event
- Charles Swindon, fired staffer
- Witness
Why it mattersAn unproven allegation of offensive behavior raises questions about workplace culture. People wonder about the values inside a major political party.
AustraliaThe claim affects One Nation's reputation in federal parliament and renews scrutiny of the party's approach to Indigenous affairs and inclusion.
