A Security Threat and a Political Stunt: The Week at the National Press Club
A banner was unfurled during a speech by Senator Pauline Hanson at the National Press Club in Canberra on Wednesday. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) is investigating the incident, and the political activist group GetUp has claimed responsibility. Separately, Senator Hanson has requested increased security following threats she says she has received.
Banner Incident Details
Approximately 20 minutes into Senator Hanson's address at the National Press Club, a banner was lowered behind her. The banner featured an edited photograph of Senator Hanson with the text: "I opposed a pay rise for workers, while I took a $100,000 pay rise for myself."
The National Press Club reported that it referred the incident to police after determining that none of its own staff were involved. According to the club, two individuals entered the building without authorisation on Tuesday and installed a drop-down screen. A third person, present during the address, used a remote device to deploy the banner.
ACT Policing confirmed it received a complaint regarding "alleged unauthorised access and interference with equipment at a building at Barton." Forensic testing was conducted at the venue on Wednesday afternoon.
Responses and Statements
GetUp
CEO Paul Ferris stated the action was intended to draw attention to Senator Hanson's voting record on cost-of-living measures, alleging that her party opposed wage increases and other policies supporting workers.
National Press Club
CEO Maurice Reilly stated, "We're not doing stunts, all right … we're at the press club," as he removed the banner. The club extended an apology to Senator Hanson and reiterated that no club personnel were involved. The club said it will consider legal options after the investigation concludes, including recovering costs for damage to the media wall.
David Sharaz
A former journalist now working for GetUp and husband of Brittany Higgins, Sharaz attended the event and was seen filming the incident. The Press Club noted he left shortly after the banner was lowered. He has not been interviewed by the AFP.
Senator Barnaby Joyce (One Nation)
Suggested the incident could have been an "inside job." In a separate statement, he described the banner stunt as "dangerous."
Security Request
Separate from the banner incident, Senator Hanson has requested increased security after receiving multiple threats directed at herself, her staff, and her family.
The threats were delivered via text messages and voicemails to her private phone and electorate office, including statements such as "I'm going to kill you" and "Your protection won’t protect you forever."
She has hired a private bodyguard and requested a full review of her protection by the Australian Federal Police. Correspondence from her chief-of-staff, James Ashby, expressed concern that her safety concerns were not being adequately addressed. The AFP did not provide comment on this matter.
"Your protection won’t protect you forever." — Threat received by Senator Hanson's office