Hanson under fire for card

ONE Nation leader Pauline Hanson is under fire for distributing a signed Remembrance Day card that a prominent veteran says “politicises Australian war dead”.

Surfers Paradise RSL president Ross Eastgate was outraged after receiving a “personally signed” card from the Senator that features her name and title beneath an image of poppies and the war poem In Flanders Field.

The card, which has been bulk-mailed to RSL subbranch presidents prior to the November 11 memorial day, comes after Ms Hanson distributed a similar signed card to mark Anzac Day.

“For the second time this year Pauline Hanson has put her personal political stamp on a major commemorative event,” Mr Eastgate said.

“It’s blatant politicisation for personal advantage.

“In all my involvement with veterans’ issues I had never before seen anyone for whatever reasons treat Anzac Day or Remembrance Day like they were a birthday or some other celebratory occasions.”

Ms Hanson’s chief-of-staff, James Ashby, was astounded to learn of Mr Eastgate’s criticism.

“Ask the other several hundred RSL sub-branches if they found it insincere,” Mr Ashby said. “The Senator sends these cards with the deepest of respect for any member of the defence force.”

Mr Eastgate, who was awarded an OAM for service to veterans and their families, said Ms Hanson’s “insensitive opportunism” was an attempt to politicise Australia’s fallen veterans.

“Commemorative events like Anzac Day and Remembrance Day are above politics,” he said.

“They are sombre occasions when the nation pauses to remember those who served and particularly those who paid a heavy price.”

Mr Eastgate was also critical of the timing of the mailout.

“For the One Nation leader to send a card in the middle of an election campaign can only

MOST VETERANS WILL SEE THIS FOR THE CHEAP STUNT IT IS ROSS EASTGATE

have one purpose — to raise her political profile,” he said.

“Most veterans will see this for the cheap stunt it is.”

This is not the first time the Surfers Paradise RSL president has railed against Ms Hanson’s distribution of such material.

As a Townsville Bulletin columnist, he penned a fiery critique in April after receiving a similar signed card prior to Anzac Day.

“No doubt there will be some who think it is a magnanimous gesture,” Mr Eastgate wrote.

“No doubt someone in her circle thought it was a clever ploy. Those who advised her should be ashamed.”

Remembrance Day is observed on November 11 each year to mark the end of hostilities in World War I in 1918.