Key facts
- The Australian Federal Police are investigating a banner stunt during Pauline Hanson's speech at the National Press Club.
- Activist group GetUp claimed responsibility for the banner, which criticized Hanson's voting record on worker pay.
- The National Press Club reported unauthorized access and equipment interference to the police.
- David Sharaz, a GetUp employee, was present and filmed the incident.
- The press club is considering legal action and recovering costs for damage to its media wall.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) are investigating an incident at the National Press Club where a banner was unfurled during a speech by Pauline Hanson. The activist group GetUp has claimed responsibility for the stunt, which featured an edited image of Hanson and text criticizing her voting record on worker pay raises and cost-of-living measures.
The National Press Club reported the incident to the AFP after confirming none of its staff were involved. The club stated that two individuals entered the building without permission and installed a banner, which was then triggered remotely by a third person. David Sharaz, an employee of GetUp and husband of Brittany Higgins, was present and filmed the event before leaving abruptly.
GetUp's CEO, Paul Ferris, said the action was intended to provide "honesty" about Hanson's consistent opposition to wage rises, affordable childcare, and other affordability measures. During the event, National Press Club CEO Maurice Reilly removed the banner from the stage. Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce speculated that the incident might have been an "inside job."
The press club apologized to Hanson and emphasized that third parties were responsible, not club personnel or contractors. The club is considering legal options to recover costs for significant damage to its media wall/light box.