A One Nation branch official in Queensland has been exposed for posting deeply offensive and racist language about Aboriginal people and migrants, as well as defending the Hitler Youth organization. John Drew, who serves as a policy development officer for the Ryan branch in Brisbane, has a history of extremist views, including calling Aboriginal people 'stone age' and claiming they are 'mentally ill.'
Racist Posts and White Supremacy
Guardian Australia revealed that Drew's Facebook account contains numerous racist comments. He referred to Aboriginal Australians as 'rapacious bludgers and grifters,' 'ghastly boongs,' and 'stone age people.' In one post, he claimed that 'at least fifty percent of aborigines are mentally ill.' He also called Olympian Cathy Freeman an 'aboriginal flog' and opposed the Indigenous voice to parliament.
Drew expressed admiration for the White Australia policy, calling it 'fabulous' and lamenting its abandonment. He posted that Australia was 'being swamped' by Chinese people and Muslims, referring to the latter as 'Islamic scum.' He also targeted Indian and Afghan migrants, calling for 'mass deportations.'
Defending Hitler Youth
In a comment on a post about Nigel Farage, Drew defended the Hitler Youth, stating that it 'mainly encouraged young Germans to lead a healthier lifestyle by stressing outdoor activities.' This came after UK deputy prime minister David Lammy accused Farage of 'flirting with the Hitler Youth.'
One Nation's Vetting Claims
One Nation has claimed to use a sophisticated vetting tool called Operation Obsidian to screen candidates and officials. However, Drew's role contradicts this, as he has been a branch official since late 2023. He previously claimed he was kicked out of One Nation over 20 years ago for being 'too radical.'
Party leader Pauline Hanson has said she is being 'infiltrated by these extremists' and has shut down four branches over far-right concerns. Yet Drew remains active, attending functions with Hanson and advising on membership processing.
Drew's Background
Drew was previously the Queensland secretary for the far-right Australia First party and national coordinator for the Patriotic Youth League, which had links to a US neo-Nazi organization. He ran for One Nation in 2001 but was reportedly dumped for being too radical.
When contacted by Guardian Australia, Drew refused to answer questions, telling them to 'go and annoy someone else' and 'bugger off.' One Nation declined to comment.
