Pauline Hanson hosts rally for Ben Roberts-Smith war crimes trial supporters
Consensus Summary
Pauline Hanson addressed a rally of around 100 supporters in Brisbane’s Seventeen Mile Rocks on June 8, 2026, to show solidarity with Ben Roberts-Smith, a former SAS soldier charged with five counts of war crime murder in Afghanistan (2009–2012). Roberts-Smith, who denies the allegations, faces life imprisonment for each charge. Hanson, who compared his prosecution to her own 2003 electoral fraud case, emphasized her understanding of his situation and reiterated she would not pressure him to join One Nation. Supporters, including Tammy Hickey who traveled over 12 hours from Queensland, expressed outrage at the charges, with some calling for Roberts-Smith to become prime minister. The event highlighted deep divisions over the case, with conservative figures like Michaelia Cash and Gina Rinehart criticizing the prosecution, while AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett warned against leaking arrest details. One Nation’s rising poll numbers—reportedly up to 30% in recent surveys—add political weight to the controversy.
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Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Pauline Hanson spoke at a 'Justice for Ben' community barbecue in Seventeen Mile Rocks, Brisbane, on Sunday, June 8, 2026.
- The event was held in Oxley electorate at Rocks Riverside Park.
- Ben Roberts-Smith was charged with five counts of war crime murder (Afghanistan, 2009–2012) in April 2026, each carrying a maximum life sentence.
- Roberts-Smith has categorically denied all allegations.
- Tammy Hickey traveled over 12 hours by bus from Cunnamulla, Queensland, to attend the event.
- Hanson compared Roberts-Smith’s prosecution to her own 2003 electoral fraud conviction (later overturned).
- Hanson stated she would not ask Roberts-Smith to run for One Nation, calling it unfair given his current situation.
- The event drew about 100 supporters, with some wearing 'Ben for PM' signs or Australian flags.
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- Hanson questioned whether authorities ranked above Roberts-Smith (e.g., his superiors) would face trial, calling the 17-year delay 'wrong'.
- AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett stated anyone who leaked Roberts-Smith’s arrest details to media should face consequences.
- One Nation’s primary vote rose from 6.4% (May election) to ~15% pre-Bondi massacre, and ~30% in recent YouGov/Redbridge polls.
- Organizers took photos of journalists’ ID cards at the event, despite it being a public park.
- Shadow Attorney-General Michaelia Cash and billionaires Kerry Stokes/Gina Rinehart criticized the prosecution.
- Liberal MP Andrew Hastie is tipped to give evidence against Roberts-Smith.
- Hanson mentioned being charged in 'the middle of nowhere' with media present, likening it to Roberts-Smith’s arrest.
- Event organizer Lawrence Henzell called for 'an army of civilians' to support Roberts-Smith and sells 'Justice for Ben' shirts, with profits going to a trust fund for him.
- Henzell plans to organize more events for Roberts-Smith.
- Hickey works for the Cunnamulla Aboriginal Corporation as a community development organizer.
- Hanson said she was invited to speak at the event by Roberts-Smith’s supporters.
- Hanson mentioned considering moving to the lower house to potentially become PM if One Nation forms government, calling it 'convention' (not a rule) for PMs to come from the House of Representatives.
- Roberts-Smith previously lost a defamation case against Nine, where a judge ruled most allegations were likely true (civil standard).
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- The SMH states Hanson arrived to 'cheers and claps' at the event, while the Guardian does not mention audience reactions beyond general support.
- The SMH claims Hanson said Roberts-Smith was 'put out there for a show,' but the Guardian and ABC do not report this exact quote.
- The SMH notes One Nation’s primary vote grew to 'about 15%' before the Bondi massacre, while the ABC does not specify this figure.
Source Articles
Hanson hosts barbecue for Ben Roberts-Smith supporters, questions his superiors
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