Lambie fires up in defence of Hastie

Independent Senator Jacqui Lambie has condemned Pauline Hanson and One Nation for a deplorable cartoon repeatedly depicting Liberal frontbencher Andrew Hastie as a traitor. The cartoon has sparked outrage across the political spectrum, with many demanding its removal. Hastie, a former Special Air Service (SAS) soldier, vows not to pursue legal action against One Nation, citing his inability to financially prevail against the party, which is backed by Australia's wealthiest individual, Gina Rinehart.

The senator's harsh words toward Hanson, whom he labels a "bloody coward," stem from her refusal to disavow the traitorous comments and remove the cartoon. Lambie also criticized the cartoon for attacking not only Hastie but also the over 20 other SAS veterans who were subpoenaed to testify in a defamation case brought by former SAS corporal Ben Roberts-Smith.

Roberts-Smith, a decorated Victoria Cross recipient, is currently facing charges of war crimes for alleged killings of Afghan civilians between 2009 and 2012. Lambie's call for the cartoon's removal comes as One Nation's Barnaby Joyce, a fellow Australian politician, distances himself from the controversy, stating that he does not believe Hastie to be a traitor and respects his service to the nation.