Full Breakdown
Andrew Hastie vs. One Nation: Traitor Accusations Spark Political Firestorm
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event – Cartoon Labels Liberal MP a “Traitor”
A video cartoon posted to Senator Pauline Hanson’s X account repeatedly describes Liberal frontbencher Andrew Hastie as a “traitor” – the term appears eight times, alongside insults such as “gutless maggot.” Hastie, a former SAS captain who testified in the 2022 Ben Roberts-Smith defamation trial, called the depiction “a massive slur on veterans” and demanded that One Nation either delete the video or publicly own the accusation, warning that failure would lead to a “costly” political battle.
Background & Context – Defamation Trial and Military Service
Hastie gave evidence in the federal case brought by Victoria Cross recipient Ben Roberts-Smith. He recounted an October 2012 operation in the Afghan village of Syachow where a subordinate known only as “Person 66” allegedly shot an unarmed prisoner after Hastie reported that Roberts-Smith said “shoot him.” Justice Anthony Besanko later found the allegation unproven. Hastie’s testimony, despite his role as assistant minister for defence, was framed by One Nation as a betrayal of fellow veterans.
Official Statements & Responses
Hastie said he would not pursue legal action against Hanson because of her party’s financial backing.
Senator Hanson denied ever calling Hastie a traitor, describing the cartoon as “satirical” and saying she would not delete it but would let viewers judge for themselves.
Barnaby Joyce echoed Hanson’s denial, confirming he had spoken with her that morning and received assurance she had not used the term.
Criticism & Opposition
Shadow defence minister James Paterson said Hanson and strategist James Ashby “should be ashamed of themselves” for accusing a former service member of treason.
Data & Statistics
- The cartoon references Hastie as a “traitor” eight times.
- It also calls him a “gutless maggot.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “I won’t take any more slander from One Nation,” — Andrew Hastie
- “Andrew Hastie has served this country with distinction as an officer in the SAS, she should take it down,” — Mr Taylor
- “Pauline Hanson and Barnaby Joyce, who never ever served a day in our uniform overseas on operations, they don’t get to define Anzac Day or Anzac or the values that underpin our Defence Force” — Barnaby Joyce
- “I mean it’s actually pretty fucking disgraceful to attack him for that.” — James Paterson
What’s Next
Hastie has signaled that the dispute will continue into the lead-up to the 2028 federal election, where his seat of Canning is expected to face a strong One Nation challenge. He has not announced formal legal proceedings but warned that any further slurs will be met with a “costly” political response.
