The Australian Federal Police (AFP) are investigating a protest incident that occurred during Pauline Hanson's speech at the National Press Club, following a claim of responsibility by the political activist group GetUp.
Incident Details
On Wednesday afternoon, the National Press Club confirmed it had referred the matter to the police after determining that none of its own staff were involved. Approximately 20 minutes into Hanson's address, a banner was unfurled behind her featuring an edited black-and-white image of the senator with the words: "I opposed a pay rise for workers, while I took a $100,000 pay rise for myself."
Guardian Australia has confirmed that ACT Policing received a complaint regarding "alleged unauthorised access and interference with equipment at a building in Barton" and was on site Wednesday afternoon for forensic testing.
Press Club Statement
The press club stated that it appeared "two persons entered the club building yesterday afternoon without permission and installed a separate drop-down screen in front of our media wall/light box." It added, "It is evident that a further person present during the address activated a remote device to trigger the unfurling of the coiled banner."
GetUp Takes Responsibility
GetUp sent an email at 1:57 pm with the subject line "Hanson NPC Address: It Was Us." The group's chief executive, Paul Ferris, explained that the stunt aimed to highlight Hanson's voting record on cost-of-living measures. "Pauline Hanson has built her entire brand on being for the battlers. But her record tells a different story. One Nation has consistently opposed wage rises, affordable childcare, increases to the aged pension, and housing affordability measures," Ferris said. "We thought the occasion deserved some honesty. So we provided it."
Involvement of David Sharaz
The press club noted that David Sharaz, a former journalist now working for GetUp and husband of Brittany Higgins, was present at the event and "seen filming the incident on his phone." After the banner descended, Sharaz left abruptly. The press club stated, "We understand that this is likely to form part of the AFP investigation." It also indicated that once the investigation concludes, the club will consider legal options against the perpetrators, including recovering costs for damage to the media wall.
Response at the Event
During the speech, press club chief executive Maurice Reilly walked on stage with another staff member to remove the banner, saying, "We're not doing stunts, all right … we're at the press club."
Nationals-turned-One-Nation MP Barnaby Joyce suggested the incident could have been an "inside job," stating, "I hope they find the person. Someone obviously knows how to operate it. It's an inside job."
The press club clarified that the stunt was conducted by "third parties" and extended an apology to Hanson, affirming that no club personnel or contractors were involved.
