National Press Club Refers GetUp Banner Incident to Australian Federal Police

The National Press Club referred footage of a banner unfurled behind Pauline Hanson during her speech to the Australian Federal Police.

Nation said leader Pauline Hanson’s safety was compromised when activist group GetUp remotely unfurled a banner behind her as she delivered her first speech at the National Press Club in Canberra. The banner stated that Hanson opposed a pay rise for workers while taking a $100,000 pay rise for herself.

Hanson’s chief of staff James Ashby said there are safety concerns around Pauline’s security and demanded the club impose a lifetime ban on GetUp, including its media and campaigns lead David Sharaz. The club issued an apology to Hanson and stated that neither its staff nor contractors had any involvement in the incident.

Hanson’s speech came as support for One Nation’s primary vote has surged past both Labor and the Coalition. Hanson was also named preferred prime minister in the latest Resolve Political Monitor. GetUp claimed responsibility for the stunt after the incident.

Hanson herself was momentarily distracted by the banner’s appearance but pushed on with her speech. Ashby stated he had been assured the security provided to Hanson was one step above the security provided to the current prime minister.

The club said two persons entered the club building without permission and installed a drop-down screen. A further person present during the address activated a remote device to trigger the unfurling of the banner. David Sharaz was seen filming the incident on his phone and left abruptly after the banner had lowered.

The club’s president Tom Connell told Sky News that people were able to get access to the building yesterday and somebody who bought a ticket pressed a button during the address. Hanson’s colleagues Barnaby Joyce and senators Malcolm Roberts, Sean Bell and Tyron Whitten were also in the room for the speech.