One Nation Leader Pauline Hanson Tells Rally Ben Roberts-Smith Is a Person ‘I Respect and I Admire’
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson tells – At a gathering in Seventeen Mile Rocks on Sunday, Pauline Hanson, the leader of the One Nation party, expressed her admiration for Ben Roberts-Smith, a former Australian Special Air Service Regiment soldier who faces charges of war crimes. Speaking to a crowd of approximately 100 supporters, she emphasized that Roberts-Smith, who was arrested in April, is someone she holds in high regard. Her comments came as the event’s organizer called for a unified front of civilians to stand by the accused, framing him as a symbol of courage and integrity.
The rally, held in Rocks Riverside Park, featured attendees carrying Australian flags, wearing T-shirts with messages of solidarity, and holding signs demanding justice for Roberts-Smith. Among the participants was a supporter who displayed a banner advocating for his election as prime minister. This event, advertised as a community barbecue for “friends of Ben,” drew participants from across the country, including those who traveled significant distances to show their backing.
“Ben Roberts-Smith is a person I respect and I admire,” Hanson said, addressing the crowd. “He’s a war hero, and what he’s been through is a disgrace.”
Hanson’s remarks highlighted her belief in Roberts-Smith’s character, despite the allegations against him. The former soldier, who received the Victoria Cross for bravery, is accused of five counts of war crime murder related to the killing of unarmed civilians during his time in Afghanistan. He has consistently denied these claims, insisting that his actions were justified in the heat of combat. Hanson echoed this sentiment, suggesting that soldiers should not be judged harshly for decisions made under pressure.
She drew a parallel between Roberts-Smith’s situation and her own experience with electoral fraud in 2003. At that time, she was jailed for misleading the public about her political donations, but her conviction was later overturned. “This is the same kind of treatment,” she remarked, emphasizing the need for public support. “When you see what’s happening to someone like Ben, you start wondering—what’s next?”
Hanson argued that soldiers are trained to fight not only for survival but also to protect their comrades. “They wear those shoes,” she said, “and the choices they make in battle can’t be measured by the standards we apply to civilians.” This perspective resonated with many in the audience, who saw the trial as a test of national values. “Is this the country I grew up in?” she asked, addressing the crowd. “Is this the future I want to leave for my children and grandchildren?”
The event’s organizer, Lawrence Henzell, reiterated Hanson’s stance, urging attendees to form a “army of civilians” to support Roberts-Smith. He explained that proceeds from the sale of event T-shirts were directed to a trust established in the soldier’s name. “Right now, we need to rally behind this man,” Henzell said. “His story is bigger than any one individual—it’s about the justice system and how it treats those who serve.”
Henzell has already planned additional events to keep the momentum going. “Ben’s case is a rallying point for people who believe in fair treatment,” he added. This commitment to advocacy has drawn attention from across Australia, with some supporters making long journeys to attend. One such individual was Tammy Hickey, a community development organiser from Cunnamulla in western Queensland, who traveled over 12 hours by bus to join the gathering.
“I think it’s important to stand by Ben because what he’s been through is a travesty,” Hickey said. “My father fought in World War Two, and if he were alive, he’d be horrified by the way Ben’s being treated.”
Hickey’s personal connection to the issue underscored the emotional weight of the rally. “War’s war,” she said, reflecting on her father’s experiences. “Ben’s in the same position as those who served before him—facing the consequences of their actions with honor and courage.” Her presence, alongside others who shared similar sentiments, illustrated the widespread support for Roberts-Smith.
While the rally focused on defending Roberts-Smith, it also sparked broader discussions about the treatment of soldiers in civilian courts. Critics argue that prosecuting military personnel for battlefield actions sets a dangerous precedent, while supporters stress the importance of accountability. Hanson, however, framed the controversy as a fight for national pride. “We can’t let this happen without a response,” she said, urging the public to take action.
The event marked a significant moment in the ongoing debate surrounding Roberts-Smith’s case. With his trial set to proceed, the rally served as a reminder of the public’s role in shaping the narrative around war crimes. As the country watches the proceedings, the call for solidarity remains strong, with many hoping to influence the outcome through collective support.
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Hanson’s speech and the rally’s turnout reflect the deepening divide over how war crimes are prosecuted in Australia. With the public increasingly divided, the case of Ben Roberts-Smith continues to serve as a focal point for debates on justice, military service, and national identity. As the trial progresses, the voices of supporters like Hanson and Henzell will remain central to the discourse.
The symbolism of the event extended beyond individual advocacy. By gathering in support of Roberts-Smith, attendees not only demonstrated their belief in his innocence but also highlighted the broader implications of the case. For Hanson, it was a chance to reaffirm her commitment to defending those who serve the country, even when they face scrutiny. “This is about who we are as a nation,” she said. “And I want to make sure we don’t lose sight of our values.”
As the trial moves forward, the role of public opinion in shaping the legal process remains a key consideration. With many Australians following the case closely, the outcome could influence how future soldiers are perceived and treated under the law. The rally in Seventeen Mile Rocks, while focused on one individual, has become a microcosm of a national conversation about justice, loyalty, and the sacrifices made by those in uniform.
