Independent Senator Jacqui Lambie has declared "war" on One Nation leader Pauline Hanson, branding her a "disgusting coward" for a video posted on Hanson's social media account that labeled Liberal frontbencher Andrew Hastie a traitor. Lambie, a veteran herself, warned Hanson to "leave veterans alone" after the former special forces soldier called the insult a "massive slur" on veterans nationwide.
The escalating tension between Hastie and Senator Hanson stems from his testimony during the defamation trial of accused war criminal Ben Roberts-Smith, with whom Hastie served in the Special Air Service (SAS). Lambie directly addressed Hanson, urging her to "show some bloody courage" and apologize to Hastie.
"I'm on to you now," Lambie stated, expressing her anger. "I warned you years ago to leave my bloody veterans alone. Well, now you've got Lambie, and I'm absolutely fuming. That woman is disgusting."
Lambie further criticized Hanson, calling her a "10-second grub of rubbish" and questioning her parliamentary achievements. "She has no idea of patriotism. You don't attack veterans, and you don't stand like a coward behind your goddam cartoons," Lambie said. "How they are allowed to go out over social media is beyond me because they incite hatred. They are vile. They are disgusting."
Lambie's strong condemnation follows a broader political backlash against Hanson, with politicians from across the spectrum rallying to Hastie's defense. Opposition Leader Angus Taylor publicly supported Hastie, highlighting his distinguished military service and demanding Hanson remove the video. During a speech commemorating the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, Taylor alluded to Hastie's service in the global War on Terror.
Even political adversaries have voiced support for Hastie. Labor minister Madeleine King described Hanson's treatment of Hastie as "appalling" and the attack on a decorated Australian Defence Force member as "despicable." King also criticized Hanson for attempting to dismiss the insult as satire and accusing Hastie of overreacting.
Greens senator David Shoebridge, despite his political disagreements with Hastie, also condemned Hanson's actions, calling it "pretty f***ing disgraceful" for any political party to attack someone for testifying truthfully in court. Shoebridge stated he couldn't understand how any party would stand by such an attack.
This political spat occurs as the Coalition attempts to counter a rise in support for Hanson's One Nation party, which has gained traction among right-wing voters, particularly in regional areas. The WA state seat of Secret Harbour, within Hastie's federal electorate, recently flipped to One Nation in an August by-election, signaling the party's focus on Coalition-held electorates.