Pauline Hanson distances herself from neo-Nazi who crashed Melbourne event

Pauline Hanson is distancing herself from a neo-Nazi who crashed her political fundraiser in Melbourne.

A handcuffed Michael Nelson declared he was there in support of the One Nation leader, but the Senator says she’s never advocated for a ‘White Australia’.

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Footage shows Nelson saying: “I’m being arrested right now for supporting Pauline Hanson” but Hanson said, “they’re with the wrong party”.

“I’ve never advocated for a white Australia policy at all,” Hanson added.

Shadow treasurer Tim Wilson claims Hanson “has attracted extremists into her ranks”.

Nelson was not arrested, instead issued a move on direction, in front of thirty anti-racism protesters outside the Melbourne fundraiser. 

Hundreds of supporters spent thousands of dollars to hear from Hanson.  

“I want to take our country back,” she told them.

But those on other sides of politics cast doubts over the One Nation leader’s ability to do the top job.

“One Nation has anger, not answer, slogans not solutions,” Energy Minister Chris Bowen said.

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While Liberal MP Andre Wallace said people need to simmer down.

“I would just encourage everyone to take a cold shower,” he quipped.

Nelson was booed during Anzac Day proceedings and the 22-year-old was among those charged for an attack on a First Nations camp last year.

As a growing number of disaffected Australians gravitate towards One Nation driven by various grievances, endorsements from Nelson and people like him would likely damage the party’s longer-term prospects.

This would give those voters tempted by her politics as well as the parties looking to work with her pause for thought.

Hanson’s promising to run candidates in every seat at the next federal poll and the looming Victoria state election.