Pauline Hanson clashes with journalists, calls for SBS to be axed and ABC made subscription service
Updated . First published at
Pauline Hanson has called for SBS to be axed and the ABC made a subscription-only service in a speech where she clashed with journalists and banned a reporter from future events.
She called one reporter “trashy” and told another “she would be without a job” in fiery exchanges at the National Press Club.
One Nation Leader Senator Pauline Hanson at the National Press Club. Getty Images
In her first Press Club address after 30 years in politics, Hanson vowed sweeping changes if One Nation took government.
She railed against immigration, multiculturalism and transgenderism, as well as the media.
The national broadcaster would remain free for people in rural areas where commercial television is not viable under the One Nation policy.
The senator made the policy announcement at the National Press Club, ironically broadcast on the ABC.
Hanson promised “big changes if given the chance”.
“The SBS will be gone. There’s no need for it anymore,” she said.
“The internet has overtaken the need for it.”
One Nation Leader Pauline Hanson addresses the National Press Club. Getty Images
The One Nation leader’s comments come days after the SBS recorded the biggest audience in its history - the Socceroos’ win over Turkiye at the World Cup.
When asked about abolishing the SBS and the crucial service it provides to non-English speakers, Hanson told a journalist from the broadcaster that she would be unemployed under One Nation.
“I can understand your question, you’re going to be without a job,” Hanson said.
She went into greater detail on her plan to overhaul the ABC.
“In the cities that are already saturated with media, the ABC will only be subscription-service only,” she said.
“From its chairman down, the ABC has proven itself to be completely in denial about its profoundly transparent political bias and the activists in its ranks.
“I don’t answer to the media. I answer to the Australian people.”
Hanson bragged of banning the ABC and The Guardian from her press events.
“I’m not going to be anyone’s football to kick around,” Hanson said.
She said Australia was in an immigration crisis.
“We cannot be a multicultural society,” Hanson said.
“We are a multiracial society but we must be monocultural. Australians must live under the one cultural umbrella.”
She also decried people speaking languages other than English at home.
“How can you generate social cohesion if people can’t speak the language?” she added.
She cited statistics saying one-in-four households speak a language rather than English at home.
National Press Club staff remove a screen which was lowered as Pauline Hanson spoke. Getty Images
Her speech was interrupted by activists who lowered a banner beside her as she spoke.
The banner read: “I opposed a pay rise for workers while I took a $100,000 pay rise for myself.”
The text was accompanied by a doctored image of Hanson wearing sunglasses surrounded by cash.
It was torn down while Hanson was speaking.
Press Club president Tom Connell said he did not know how the banner was installed and distanced himself from it.
Hanson lost her temper at a journalist from The Guardian when she was asked about her daughter’s job.
Lee Hanson was given a $180,000-a-year role as a senior adviser for NSW Senator Sean Bell.
One Nation Leader Pauline Hanson delivers her address at the National Press Club. Hilary Wardhaugh
This is in spite of the fact the younger Hanson lives in Tasmania.
Journalist Sarah Martin asked her if she played a role in getting her daughter the job.
Hanson called Martin “a trashy journalist”.
“You will be banned,” Hanson said.
“Don’t come near me for an interview in the future.”
Hanson said her daughter got her job “on her merits”.
“My daughter is very capable of doing it.”
When Martin asked if Hanson specifically denied getting her daughter the job, she replied: “I have given you my answer.”
She began her speech with a jab at Channel 9.
“Is Channel 9 here?” Hanson asked.
“I just want to clarify that no, Gina’s jet is not broken and I didn’t come cattle class.”
Her remarks came after she clashed with a reporter who asked if she flew economy at a Perth airport last week.
Channel 9 is broadcast by Nine, which is also the publisher of this website.
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
Most viewed in Australia
Hastie rules out legal action against Hanson as bitter war of words escalates
Boxing coach’s shooting death not linked to gang feud, but police probe bikie links
‘Not one phone call, letter… nothing’: Family’s distress over huge ‘redevelopment’ project at famous Perth cemetery
‘Unimaginable loss’: Two children killed in horror crash on the way home from school
