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Media union blasts Pauline Hanson’s ‘bitter, unprofessional’ attack on Guardian journalist
TL;DR
The media union has condemned Pauline Hanson's derogatory remarks about Guardian journalist Sarah Martin, following a critical question regarding Hanson's daughter's employment. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urged support for public broadcasters SBS and ABC.
Key points
- Pauline Hanson attacked Guardian journalist Sarah Martin.
- The media union condemned Hanson's remarks as unprofessional.
- Anthony Albanese urged support for public broadcasters.
- Lee Hanson earns $150,000 in a taxpayer-funded role.
Mentioned in this story
Pauline HansonSarah MartinAnthony AlbaneseOne NationGuardian AustraliaSBSABCGina Rinehart
The media union has condemned One Nation leader Pauline Hanson’s attack on Guardian Australia senior correspondent Sarah Martin, as Anthony Albanese called on journalists to defend public broadcasters SBS and the ABC.
After her landmark address to the National Press Club in Canberra on Wednesday, Hanson called Martin “trashy” for asking about her daughter Lee Hanson’s employment by a NSW One Nation senator, despite living and working in Tasmania.
Martin revealed in February that Lee Hanson has been spearheading the party’s expansion in Tasmania, while receiving a taxpayer-funded salary of about $150,000 a year.
Hanson said Martin would be banned from future events because of critical coverage, accusing her of harbouring an “obsession” with Hanson herself and billionaire patron Gina Rinehart. She had previously said she would ban the ABC and the Guardian from attending her events.
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The Media Arts and Entertainment Alliance called the attack “bitter, personal and unprofessional” and warned attempts by One Nation to ban Guardian Australia and the ABC from press conferences an assault on the freedom of the press.
“Hanson’s actions stand in stark contrast with her remarks that she welcomes the scrutiny of the media on her party, its people and its politics,” the statement said.
“[Martin] is an experienced and professional journalist who was attending her place of work to do her job of holding the powerful to account. Journalists must be provided with safe workplaces, free from abuse, so we can uphold the public’s right to know.”
The union called for journalists to stand with colleagues seeking to report in the public interest, when they are attacked or targeted by politicians.
The prime minister said parties seeking to exclude media organisations or cut public broadcasting were misguided.
**“**I would hope that all media organisations come out and oppose that, because they should, because they’re vital roles in our democracy,” he said.
The federal parliamentary press gallery committee president, Jane Norman, issued a statement on behalf of journalists working in Parliament House.
Q&A
What did Pauline Hanson say about Sarah Martin?
Pauline Hanson called Sarah Martin 'trashy' and accused her of having an obsession with her and Gina Rinehart.
Why did the media union condemn Hanson's remarks?
The media union condemned Hanson's comments as unprofessional and an attack on journalistic integrity.
What is the significance of Anthony Albanese's statement?
Anthony Albanese's statement emphasizes the importance of defending public broadcasters like SBS and ABC amid attacks on journalists.
How much does Lee Hanson earn in her taxpayer-funded position?
Lee Hanson earns approximately $150,000 a year in her role with One Nation in Tasmania.
