Pauline Hanson has removed a Victorian candidate after he made pro-Hitler comments on social media. Franco Guardiani, who had been the party’s candidate for Preston in Melbourne, responded to a post that asked users to “Describe Hitler in One Word”. Guardiani replied “GOAT”, an acronym for greatest of all time.
One Nation disendorsed Guardiani shortly after the party became aware of the post on November 10. One Nation Victoria leader Warren Pickering said people who hold views like that do not belong in the party.
“At a time when Jewish Australians are experiencing unprecedented persecution, we are appalled that these comments have been made,” Mr Pickering said. “As soon as we became aware, we acted. “Preston candidate Franco Guardiani is no longer part of our party. “Anyone who holds such views is on notice: they do not have a place in One Nation.”
Guardiani’s X account also includes a number of posts with anti-Islam sentiment, including one claiming that “importing Islam is making paedophilia legal”.
Despite being removed, Guardiani said he continued to back the party. “I understand where One Nation is going and I still stand by them,” Mr Guardiani told the ABC. “I mean, with all the crap that’s going on, I can understand their position. “I am a bit disappointed of course, but it’s a fair call by them. “I just believe in free speech and I think people should always be able to express their views.”
In Victoria, One Nation vets the social media accounts of prospective candidates during its selection process, and it remains unclear how Guardiani’s posts were not caught before he was endorsed.
