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Liberal MP Garth Hamilton has publicly distanced his party from One Nation, criticizing Pauline Hanson for her association with controversial figures. Hamilton also expressed concern over the political challenges faced by his colleagues in defending the party's stance.
Why it matters
Internal party tensions and public distancing from fringe political figures highlight shifting alliances and strategic positioning within Australian conservative politics.
Garth Hamilton, the LNP member for Groom, did not miss a beat when asked on ABC’s Afternoon Update if he, like Opposition Leader Angus Taylor, criticises One Nation “with a heavy heart”.
“I sleep pretty easily drawing a distinction between my party, my beliefs, and One Nation,” Hamilton said.
Acknowledging the angry feedback Taylor endured on his social media after a tough anti-Pauline Hanson speech last week, Hamilton added: “I think it is difficult to tell some tough truths to people, and I think that that is a hard conversation that we have to have. I think that’s probably what Angus is referring to – to let people know that there are differences.”
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