Pauline Hanson's Daughter Criticizes Cafe for Politically Charged Social Media Post

Lee Hanson, daughter of Australian politician Pauline Hanson and state president of the One Nation party in Tasmania, has publicly criticized a local coffee shop for a social media post that she felt shamed her over her political views. The post from Richmond Reading Room in north-east Hobart targeted an AI-generated advertisement released by One Nation titled 'It's OK to come out as a One Nation voter.'

The advertisement depicted scenarios including a young man declaring himself a conservative at a family dinner, alongside images of a man of African appearance with a machete, a man of Middle Eastern appearance potentially wearing an explosives vest, and protesters outside a parliament building.

Richmond Reading Room's social media post directly referenced the advertisement, stating, 'Seen the latest One Nation ad and felt absolutely disgusted like I do? Then you'll likely feel the same way when you see the orange ute outside our coffee shop.' The post identified the owner as a 'gay, Indigenous-descended, trans-inclusive, pro-multicultural, anti-flag, pro-choice, anti-generative AI Greens voter' and announced that any money spent by a One Nation member would be donated to the Tasmanian Greens.

Hanson, who has patronized the cafe since its opening, described the post as a "complete shock" and stated she felt "genuinely hurt." She posted on social media, "You do not have to agree with my politics... But surely we have reached a pretty sad place when someone's political beliefs determine whether their presence or their custom is considered acceptable."

She added, "We can disagree politically and still treat each other with basic respect. I genuinely wish that courtesy had been extended to me." Hanson indicated she would continue to support local Tasmanian businesses but would no longer frequent the coffee shop.

The cafe's post generated mixed reactions online. Some users criticized the business for perceived judgment and intolerance, questioning its claims of inclusivity. Others praised the cafe for "standing up" for its values. The Tasmanian Greens' social media account responded to the post with four green hearts, indicating support. Vica Bayley, deputy leader of the Tasmanian Greens, told Pulse Tasmania that the party would "happily accept money" from the cafe owner, provided it aligned with the party's values and rules.