The National Press Club has barred activist and former media adviser David Sharaz from attending future events following the dramatic protest during Pauline Hanson’s address in Canberra.
The move comes after campaign group GetUp claimed responsibility for a banner stunt during Hanson’s speech in Canberra, in which a protest message was unfurled behind the One Nation leader as she addressed journalists and invited guests.
Sharaz, who works with GetUp and attended the event, was reportedly filmed on his phone during the incident and left shortly afterwards. The National Press Club has since confirmed his membership application has been rejected and that he is no longer welcome at future events hosted by the organisation.
The club has also barred GetUp staff from attending future functions while reviewing its security procedures following the disruption.
Police investigations into the incident remain ongoing, with authorities reviewing footage and interviewing people connected to the event. Both the Australian Federal Police and ACT Police have been involved in the inquiry.
The protest occurred during Hanson’s first National Press Club address in decades, where she outlined a number of policy positions on immigration, housing and national identity. GetUp defended the demonstration as political protest, saying it wanted to challenge what it described as inconsistencies between Hanson’s rhetoric and her parliamentary record.
The incident has reignited debate over where the line sits between political protest and disruption at public forums, with supporters and critics of the action arguing over whether the demonstration was legitimate activism or an unacceptable breach of security and decorum.
Images: Seven News
