Thursday, August 24, 2023

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

George Jumps From LNP To One Nation

There’s been no retirement from politics for George Christensen.

Mere days after resigning from the LNP as the Federal Member for the seat of Dawson, One Nation leader Pauline Hanson announced that Mr Christensen will join her party on the senate ticket for Queensland.

Senator Hanson said Mr Christensen had been an outspoken defender of the rights and freedoms which underpin Australian democracy.

“George has been a strong advocate for the fundamental principles of Australian democracy which have been trampled by our governments during the COVID-19 pandemic, and a great representative for the people of Dawson,” she said.

“Standing for Australians’ rights and freedoms obviously has no place in the Liberal National Party, but it’s top priority for One Nation and I’m delighted to welcome George to our team.”

Senator Hanson and Mr Christensen will also be joined on the ticket by former Adani senior executive Raj Guruswamy. However, with Mr Christensen third on the ticket, political analysts have said it will be near impossible for him to be elected.

Labor Senator Murray Watt accused Senator Hanson of chasing a taxpayer-funded payday for Mr Christensen.

“If you’re wondering why George Christensen is running number 3 for Hanson it’s easy,” Senator Watt tweeted.

"If he boosts her vote, her party gets more public funding.

"So Christensen gets more money if he runs and loses. One Nation gets more money if Christensen boosts her vote. And you pay."

Senator Hanson said that One Nation’s membership has grown exponentially over the past two years and her party is fielding candidates for all 151 seats in the House of Representatives at this election.

“We will continue to put Australia and Australians first by advocating for immigration to be reduced to sustainable levels, ensuring foreign-owned multinationals operating in Australia pay their fair share of tax, and reforming Australia’s family law and child support systems.

“And we will demand a Royal Commission into the management of the pandemic by all Australian governments.”

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