The National Press Club has reportedly banned David Sharaz, the husband of Brittany Higgins and media and campaigns lead for the advocacy group GetUp!, following a disruption during a speech by Senator Pauline Hanson on June 17. GetUp! took responsibility for projecting a banner behind Senator Hanson that read, "I opposed a pay rise to workers while I took a $100,000 pay rise for myself" during her address.
Maurice Reilly, chief executive of the National Press Club, stated on Wednesday that Sharaz's membership application has been declined and he is prohibited from attending future events. "He is not welcome at the club in the future," Reilly told Nine News.
However, the Daily Mail understands that no formal decision regarding Sharaz's membership has been officially communicated to either GetUp! or Sharaz.
The National Press Club confirmed that footage of the incident and other evidence were referred to the Australian Federal Police on the day of the event. A spokesperson for the club at the time indicated that two individuals entered the building without authorization to install the drop-down screen. A third person, identified as Sharaz, was seen filming the incident and left abruptly after the banner was displayed.
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