One Nation leader Pauline Hanson claims censorship as cartoons mocking fellow MPs cop criticism
As parliament prepares to honour Helen Haines, Pauline Hanson declared her cartoons mocking fellow MPs ‘will not be going anywhere.’
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson says her controversial Please Explain videos “will not be going anywhere” as parliamentarians call for greater civility following the attack on independent MP Helen Haines.
As federal politicians prepared for a day of tributes to Dr Haines, Senator Hanson posted on social media accusing both Labor and the Coalition of “attempting to use this tragedy to silence their critics and deflect from their own failings”.
“The Please Explain cartoons have nothing to do with the tragic attack on Helen Haines,” she posted on social media.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“Liberal and Labor politicians want our cartoons censored because they don’t like the scrutiny.
“Free speech, satire, criticism and debate are essential to our democracy. They must be protected.
“Those seeking to exploit this tragedy to silence their critics should be ashamed of themselves.”
The One Nation cartoons, which credit Senator Hanson as a producer, have drawn criticism in recent months for repeatedly calling special forces veteran and Liberal MP Andrew Hastie a traitor and mocking independent senator Jacqui Lambie’s health struggles.
Senator Lambie is also a veteran.
Older cartoons have also resurfaced depicting a caricature of Senator Hanson driving a bus over independent Indigenous senator Lidia Thorpe.
Australians dig deep for Helen Haines
Australians have now donated more than than $1m to the Save the Children charity in honour of Dr Haines who remains in a serious but stable condition after a double amputation.
Dr Haines’ husband, Phil, launched the donation plea last week in lieu of flowers revealing that the charity’s work was close to her heart as she recovers from her injuries.
Floral tributes have lined the footpath outside her electorate office in regional Victoria this week after she was allegedly attacked by Brendan Nugent.
Mr Haines said that while his wife “loved flowers,” donating to charity was a better idea.
“Our team has been overwhelmed by the kindness shown by the Indi community and people right across Australia and internationally,‘’ her office said.
“Since Phil first invited people to donate to Save the Children Australia in Helen’s honour, more than $919,000 has been raised to help children across Australia and around the world. We are deeply moved by the extraordinary generosity of so many people.”
Donations are still welcome at www.savethechildrenfundraising.org.au/helenhaines.
Call to sign ‘civility pledge’
Some parliamentarians will sign a “civility pledge” in honour of Dr Haines.
She was the first signatory this year, which was inspired by a similar initiative in the UK following the murder of British MP Jo Cox.
It reads: “In my political life, I pledge to act with honesty, respect and compassion.”
Some of Dr Haines’ fellow independents, including West Australian MP Kate Chaney, have vowed to add their names.
She encouraged other to do the same but stressed it is “optional”.
“There’s no pressure on MPs to do this,” Ms Chaney told ABC Radio National.
“I think there’s something really symbolic about the fact that Helen was the only federal MP to have signed this, the first.”
Originally published as Pauline Hanson claims censorship amid cartoon criticism
