Andrew Hastie threatens One Nation with ‘costly’ fight over claims he is a ‘traitor’ to Australia

Australian Liberal MP Andrew Hastie has threatened to engage in a "costly" legal battle with One Nation over accusations that he is a "traitor" to Australia. Hastie claims his critics, including Pauline Hanson and One Nation strategist James Ashby, are "cowards" who do not believe in the rule of law. The Liberal MP contends that One Nation is attempting to unseat him in the upcoming federal election, which is scheduled for 2028, due to his testimony against Victoria Cross recipient Ben Roberts-Smith in a failed defamation case against the Nine newspapers.

Roberts-Smith is currently facing war crimes allegations linked to his service in Afghanistan. However, One Nation and its billionaire supporter, Gina Rinehart, argue that Roberts-Smith is being subjected to unfair prosecution. Hastie, who served twice in combat operations in Afghanistan, has vehemently defended his war service and expressed frustration at being labeled a traitor by One Nation and its supporters.

He criticized Hanson and Ashby for not standing up for him and accused them of attacking his service record, integrity, and loyalty to Australia.

Hastie has previously received threats and abuse targeted towards himself and his family, leading the federal government to enhance security around his home and office. One Nation gained ground in the state byelection held recently in Western Australian seat of Secret Harbour, which overlaps with Hastie's electorate of Canning. The party has indicated that they will launch a strong campaign in Canning during the next federal election.

Hastie is seen as the leading contender to challenge opposition leader, Angus Taylor, and may also benefit from an upcoming reshuffle of the opposition frontbench, which will take place following the retirement of shadow home affairs minister, Jonno Duniam.