The Australian Federal Police are investigating a protest incident during Pauline Hanson’s speech at the National Press Club, after activist group GetUp claimed responsibility for the stunt. The banner, unfurled about 20 minutes into Hanson’s address, featured an edited image of her with the words: “I opposed a pay rise for workers, while I took a $100,000 pay rise for myself.”
The National Press Club said it referred the incident to police after concluding none of its own staff were involved. ACT policing confirmed it received a complaint about “alleged unauthorised access and interference with equipment” and conducted forensic testing at the scene.
GetUp chief executive Paul Ferris said the stunt aimed to highlight Hanson’s voting record on cost-of-living measures. “Pauline Hanson has built her entire brand on being for the battlers. But her record tells a different story,” Ferris said, citing One Nation’s opposition to wage rises, affordable childcare, and pension increases.
The Press Club stated that two individuals entered the building without permission and installed a drop-down screen, while a third person activated the banner remotely. Former journalist David Sharaz, now a GetUp employee and husband of Brittany Higgins, was seen filming the incident before leaving abruptly. The club said it would consider legal options against the perpetrators.
Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce suggested the stunt could have been an “inside job”, but the Press Club denied any staff involvement and apologised to Hanson.
