From Newsgroup: aus.politics

*Pauline Hanson's criticism of Guardian reporter labelled an 'assault on
free press'*

/By senior political correspondent Jake Evans,ABC News, Australia/ /Topic:Federal Government, Thu 18 Jun 2026 at 4:43am/

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-06-18/pauline-hanson-guardian-sarah-martin-free-press-assault/106810592?utm_source=braze&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20260617_newsam_newsletter&utm_id=6a3311dbe25c47f86c0f4698e6328c69>

"Pauline Hanson attacked Guardian reporter Sarah Martin, saying she was "trashy" and would be banned from future events. (ABC News: Adam Kennedy)"

*In short*

"The media union says a "bitter" attack by Pauline Hanson against a
journalist during her National Press Club address was unacceptable.

Labor and Liberal MPs have criticised One Nation's treatment of the
media, with one suggesting Senator Hanson must be more willing to face scrutiny.
What's next?

Pauline Hanson says she will pursue the abolition of the SBS and deep
cuts to the ABC if elected to government."

Pauline Hanson's attack on a Guardian journalist questioning her at the National Press Club yesterday was an "assault on the freedom of the
press", the media union says, as Labor and Liberal MPs criticise the One Nation leader for getting personal with journalists.
The Guardian has also defended its senior reporter, Sarah Martin, saying
it stood by the "rigour" of her reporting, and was concerned by One
Nation's statements suggesting The Guardian and other outlets, including
the ABC, were not welcome at party events or press conferences.

At her first National Press Club address, Senator Hanson called Guardian journalist Sarah Martin "trashy" for questioning her daughter Lee
Hanson's employment by One Nation, saying she would be banned from
future events.

"Honestly, you never give up. I have never seen a person that is such a
trashy journalist, and what you put out all the time, you've got this obsession with constantly trying to pull down myself, my party or Mrs
[Gina] Rinehart," Senator Hanson said.
"You will be banned from my answering. I'll answer you this question
today, but I am telling you now, don't come near me for an interview in
the future."


Senior correspondent at the Guardian Sarah Martin questioned senator
Pauline Hanson over her party's decision to employ her daughter, Lee. (National Press Club)

Lee Hanson has been employed as a senior adviser to NSW senator Sean
Bell, garnering a salary of up to $180,000, which the Guardian
questioned in reporting given Ms Hanson is based in Tasmania, and
heavily involved in expanding the party's presence in that state.

She is not the first or only politician whose party employs family rCo
Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen, for instance, declares on his
interest register that his son works as an electorate officer for state
Labor MP Anoulack Chanthivong.

Both of former prime minister Kevin Rudd's sons were controversially
appointed to work on his re-election campaign as advisers in 2013.

But as One Nation's popularity has risen, its operations have come under closer scrutiny, including by Ms Martin, who has reported on the
behaviour of some of its officials, the party's financial records and
declared as well as undeclared support from billionaire Gina Rinehart.
Senator Hanson accused Ms Martin's reporting of being poorly researched
and "lies", adding that her daughter had been appointed as an adviser
"on her own merits".

One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce laughs while listening to Pauline Hanson
address a question asked by Guardian journalist Sarah Martin. (ABC News:
Adam Kennedy)

The Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance said Senator Hanson's "bitter, personal and unprofessional attacks" on Ms Martin, as well as the
party's ban on Guardian and ABC journalists, were an assault on press
freedom. ...
~~~~ ~~~~

Yeah. Hopefully by know it is well understood by everyone where ON
stands of the freedom of the press. These alt-right creeps are as
intolerant towards being held accountable as their MAGAt counterparts
across the Big Blue.

Transparency? What transparency? It is clearly not included of Pauline's
"how to" manual borrowed from Mar-a-Lago!


BTW also...long live nepotism!
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