Pauline Hanson defends meeting with UK far-right figure Tommy Robinson
Pauline Hanson defends meeting far-right activist Tommy Robinson. She says she chooses her own meetings.
Hanson spoke to more than 100 One Nation supporters in Secret Harbour. This was her first visit to the southern Perth electorate since Luke Herdegen won the seat from Labor in a byelection.
When asked about her meeting with Tommy Robinson, Hanson said "I'll decide who I talk to". She described Robinson as speaking "common sense".
Robinson is a convicted criminal. His past includes assault, fraud and contempt of court convictions.
He co-founded the English Defence League, an anti-Islam movement. Tommy Robinson has built a large following campaigning against immigration.
Hanson said Robinson's experiences matched her own views on issues Australia faces. The meeting drew criticism.
Robinson is so controversial that even UK right-wing figures like Nigel Farage avoid him.
- More than 100 One Nation supporters
- Event attendance
- Paul Papalia's resignation as WA minister
- Byelection trigger
Why it mattersHanson's public defence of meeting a far-right extremist shows she is willing to go against mainstream politics. It also shows her supporters back this choice.
AustraliaIt reflects division in Australian politics over engagement with extremist figures and highlights One Nation's positioning after winning the Secret Harbour byelection.
Corroborated bytheage.com.au·watoday.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
