One Nation demands action over staffer’s attack at show
Robyn Wuth |
A grandmother in her 60s working for One Nation has allegedly been bashed at a major agricultural show, leaving her with a broken rib and severe bruising.
The full‑time staffer was wearing One Nation gear and heading to the party’s stall at Brisbane’s Ekka when she was allegedly spat on, grabbed and punched late on Friday morning.
“She walked through the gates of the exhibition and was set upon with foul language,” party director James Ashby told AAP.
“She ignored them, and as she continued walking they called her an ignorant (expletive) and that’s when they set upon her.”
The group was comprised of three young women and a man, believed to be in their late teens, he said.
They allegedly spat on her before the man grabbed the grandmother by the wrist, swung her around and punched her in the ribs.
The staffer was recovering after being hospitalised but was badly bruised and shaken, Mr Ashby said.
“She’s really shaken and extremely sore. Broken ribs aren’t fun,” Mr Ashby said.
“I don’t want any of my staff feeling that way.”
Queensland Police said it was aware of the altercation, but no formal complaint had been made.
However, Mr Ashby insisted the woman had spoken to officers on Friday afternoon and wanted those responsible tracked down and charged.
“You can disagree with someone verbally, but the minute somebody feels threatened with their own safety and life, that’s where the line has been overstepped massively,” he said.
“I’m calling for police to find them, charge them, and for the courts to hold them accountable.”
He linked the alleged attack to heightened tensions after anti-One Nation protests in Brisbane last week, saying some demonstrators had called for violence against party leader Pauline Hanson.
“These protesters that demonstrated on Thursday against Pauline and One Nation made it abundantly clear – some said they’d shoot her, other people said they’d kick her to death,” Mr Ashby said.
“It’s completely unacceptable.”
AAP