One Nation Vic deputy denies AI-generated campaign video was racist

Colleen Harkin, deputy leader of One Nation in Victoria, denied allegations that an AI-generated campaign video featuring a young African man wielding a machete and a Middle Eastern-suicide bomber was racist. During an interview with 774 ABC Melbourne, Ms Harkin stated that she did not accept the premise that the video was racist and that the clip addressed major issues facing Australia.

She claimed that climate change was irrelevant to the nation's economy and that One Nation was committed to rescinding Victoria's landmark Treaty. The video, displayed at the party's Victorian election campaign launch, sparked controversy, including a dispute between a Tasmanian cafe owner and Pauline Hanson's daughter, both of whom found the clip offensive.

When questioned about the video, Ms Harkin argued that it addressed crime and social cohesion concerns in the state. One Nation's federal MP Barnaby Joyce also acknowledged crime as a significant issue in Victoria. Ms Harkin emphasized that her values and principles had not changed since her time as a Liberal member, but she remained open to learning from her Liberal contacts.

When asked about her stance on climate change, Ms Harkin stated that she believed climate change was a natural occurrence rather than a result of human activity.