Liberal MP Andrew Hastie denounces One Nation cartoon as traitor slur

Liberal frontbencher and former SAS operative Andrew Hastie called Pauline Hanson and Barnaby Joyce “lying cowards” after a One Nation-produced animated video labeled him a traitor for testifying in a defamation case involving former soldier Ben Roberts-Smith. Hastie told News24 the cartoon, first posted by Hanson on social media more than a month ago and now pinned to the top of her X account, called him a traitor eight times. He said the repeated accusations posed a serious problem for his reputation and for the nation’s defence values.

The Guardian

Roberts-Smith, a Victoria Cross recipient, faced a defamation suit against Nine newspapers over alleged war-crime accusations tied to his Afghanistan service between 2009-2012. Hastie gave sworn evidence in the federal court, joining roughly 20 other SAS veterans who testified under oath. The case collapsed, but the testimony sparked a backlash from One Nation, whose leader Hanson and billionaire backer Gina Rinehart, along with former prime minister Tony Abbott, argue the former soldier is being unfairly targeted.

The Guardian

Hanson denied ever calling Hastie a traitor, telling the Nightly that she would “call him a wanker.” Both men emphasized that they have never served in the Australian Defence Force, implying they lack the authority to judge his service record.

The Guardian

• “Are they saying the same thing of the other 20 SAS combat veterans who gave evidence under oath in the federal court?” — Andrew Hastie, SAS veteran

The Guardian

• “I will call him a wanker.” — Barnaby Joyce

The Guardian

The video, titled “Don’t be Hastie,” has amassed over 145,000 views on YouTube, according to the Guardian. Hastie, who serves as the shadow minister for industry and sovereign capability, has reported a campaign of threats against him and his family, prompting the federal government to increase security at his home and office earlier this year. One Nation’s recent win in a Western Australian state byelection in the seat of Secret Harbour—an area that overlaps Hastie’s federal electorate of Canning—has been framed by the party as a challenge to unseat him at the next federal election. Hastie remains a leading contender to replace opposition leader Angus Taylor, though he declined to enter the leadership race earlier this year.

The Guardian