Military Chief takes a shot at Hanson

27th August 1998

Pauline Hanson has written to the Prime Minister to ask him to 'please explain',

following a disgraceful exhibition of political bias in conjunction with a shooting competition in Brisbane where Defence Force personnel were ordered not to attend because Pauline Hanson would be presenting the awards.

The incident occurred last Saturday at a shoot held by the Queensland Military Rifle Club. Competitors were from interstate and overseas but military personnel were ordered not to attend because of Pauline Hanson despite David Jull MP presenting awards to uniformed military personnel on the next range.

Members of the Defence Forces were angry and upset by the order as were the members and executive of the Queensland Military Rifle Club whose Patron also happens to be Pauline Hanson.

Pauline has written to the Prime Minister asking for an investigation, an apology for those who were unable to compete due to the apparent and politically disturbing order of a Senior officer, and an assurance such actions will not be repeated.

Pauline Hanson said, "This is a seriously disturbing example of political posturing. I have experienced a great deal of support from members of the Defence Forces and it is frankly beyond belief that a senior officer would take such a blatant stand and in doing so, deny personnel the opportunity of competing.

Is it the Australian Defence Forces or the Liberal Party's Army? Just what exactly is happening in our country for an incident such as this to occur? How can a senior officer pick and choose between which members of parliament are acceptable and which are not. When will this, 'disgrace to the uniform' issue the order on how to Vote".

Chris Reay, President of the Queensland Military Rifle Club said, "We are pleased to have Pauline as our patron and we will not back down from that, however we would still like the Defence Forces to participate, as we strongly believe in the practice of civilian and military marksmanship as an aid to our national defence".

Statement issued by Pauline Hanson MP, member for Oxley

Nation - Pauline Hanson's One Nation Press Releases.