A One Nation video labelling Liberal frontbencher and former SAS member Andrew Hastie as a traitor has been described by the defence minister as an insult to military veterans, who are also criticising the social media post.
The RSL has added to calls for party leader Pauline Hanson to take down the cartoon video, which remains pinned to her X profile.
The tension between the Liberal MP and Senator Hanson stems from him testifying during the defamation trial of now-accused war criminal Ben Roberts-Smith, who Mr Hastie served with in the SAS.
Defence Minister Richard Marles said the video from One Nation was tasteless and Senator Hanson needed to clarify why the comments were made.
“It is utterly tasteless, and no one should be using that word in respect of any veteran,” he told ABC TV on Friday.
“(Traitor’s) not a word which should be associated with people who undertake that service.
“It’s an insult to all veterans.”
Senator Hanson on Wednesday denied calling the Liberal MP a traitor, saying it was only a satirical cartoon and he was “making a mountain out of a molehill”.
RSL Australia said Senator Hanson’s video went beyond a political disagreement.
“When the word ‘traitor’ is thrown at someone who has worn the uniform and deployed on operations, that stops being politics and starts being an attack on every veteran’s service,” it said in a statement.
“Branding a former soldier a ‘traitor’ sends a corrosive message to the wider veteran community: that your service can be recast as betrayal the moment it’s politically convenient.”
One Nation Senator Sean Bell said the party stood by the cartoon.
“I don’t think the party has anything to apologise for. I think people should go and watch the cartoon because I think in it there’s a lot of very insightful things,” he told News24.
“That cartoon has been out for a very long time. He has simply chosen this week to come into parliament, to do the rounds on media, to make things not about veterans but himself.”
Liberal Senator Jonathon Duniam said Mr Hastie had the coalition’s full support.
“(Ms Hanson) wants to lead this country. Well, then start telling us why you do some of the silly things you do.”
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Pauline Hanson wouldn't know satire if it hit her in the face. She is Australia's version of Donald Trump and anyone who wants her as our leader has a very primitive and sad understanding of politics. She spreads hatred that Infects the vulnerable and desperate.
I find your comment quite uneducated go do some research. Why does everyone use Donald Trump as there excuse for not understanding what is happening in Australia
Totally agree...
So which Liar do you prefer Labor, Liberal , Greens or something else? Marijuana party perhaps?
What a load of rubbish.
She has my full support all the way. You seem to be very misguided in your views.
She has my full support also...
I totally agree. Yes, she seems to have very similar ideas to Trump.
He called Robert Smith traitor first and that was OK ! Base on that he got promoted! Now the shoe is on a other foot and he doesn't like it !
Someone who has server their country should never be called a traitor it is outrageous.
Don't stab fellow soldiers in the back is a good start, BRS made Hastie cry and he hasn't forgotten this either
I totally agree with you. He’s soaking up about saying” he’s been called a traitor!!
How would he like to be in the other man’s shoes! Bloody SOOK is what I say…
OR IS HE SCARED OF THE TRUTH ABOUT HIM COMING OUT???
If you look at the cartoon it’s not as bad as what has been said about Pauline or Gina which the Government never said anything about. I didn’t read it like it’s being said they didn’t call him a traitor for his service but sense he’s been in Politics he hasn’t made many good decisions When Hastie says one thing to the public but votes another of course he going to get a hard time. How can one trust him which I have found sad as I was a great supporter of him. I am a member of the RSL and x WRAAC but sadly this disappoints me that the RSL has become involved. Getting involved with politics now shows poor judgment in my view you are taking sides not good. Take a look at what Gina does for vets also
Pauline. Look at what this Government with the support from some liberals doing about cutting our Vet support. GREAT TO SEE TO WAS BEATEN TODAY. SO sad to see you get involved Look after our service people and Vets stay out politics My big question is why now it’s been around for weeks is it that ON Is now the preferred party so try and bring them down. Food for thought as Albo wants this party deregistered. just my opinion
Not tasteless but truthful, Pastie Hastie stabbed BRS in the back for a political future and financed by channel nine, He's a waste of space as most officers are whom benefited off the backs of soldiers they oversee, were his medals stripped? No! but the Senior officers kept there's even though they weren't even serving in the same country, Nah this has been hijacked by the media and shameful weak and empty politicians (both sides)and now they want us to vote for them? Nah not a chance, go Pauline, drain the Canberra swamp too.
Well said..
Come on guys, whatever has happened to our famous Australian sense of humour! The One Nation run of cartoons are very funny (if not taken seriously) and are very clever and topical. Carry on Pauline, some of us are having a welcome laugh during these troubled times.
This a tactic of One Nation. Cause a storm, everyone's taking about One Nation. They're 'top of mind' and want to stay the way until or just before the election. While everyone is talking about them, they're not thinking about the other parties. Notice this approach has only been used since Pauline has been involved with Barnaby and Gina Rinehart.
The cartoon is tastless to the man and woman of the armed forces
Pauline Hanson is the best for Australia she has lived the life of a true Australian I back her 200% all the other politicians are just liars and got Australia into a big mess and it is going to take a long time to get out of or if the current politicians stay in we will never recover.
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