One Nation bars ABC and Guardian from press events
Party director James Ashby ejected reporters from Tuesday's press conference, sparking censorship accusations.
On Tuesday at Crown Melbourne, One Nation's national director James Ashby held a press event in Victoria. Ashby ordered ABC and Guardian Australia reporters to leave.
Security escorted them out after they said who they were. State leader Warren Pickering was discussing his admitted drug use and drink driving at the event.
Other outlets like The Age have also been rejected from earlier One Nation events. In August, Pauline Hanson blocked the ABC, Guardian and Age from announcing Victorian candidates.
She said the ABC lacked fairness. Ashby then called the ABC relationship one of domestic violence.
This drew sharp criticism for comparing media scrutiny to abuse.
Why it mattersVoters need media access to political parties to make informed choices in elections. Blocking outlets risks letting parties control what information reaches the public.
AustraliaOne Nation is campaigning for the next Australian federal election, so coverage limits affect how Australians learn about a party that could influence Parliament.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 d ago
