Australian politician Andrew Hastie has stated that he accepts former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce’s explanation regarding a controversial cartoon produced by the One Nation party. The artwork referred to Hastie eight times as a “traitor.”
Hastie revealed that Joyce had reached out to him directly to clarify that he was not aware of the publication of the cartoon. In response, Hastie confirmed he accepts this explanation.
Previously, Hastie had accused Joyce of being a “lying coward,” believing that the former federal treasurer was actively protecting One Nation leader Pauline Hanson in connection with the offensive imagery. However, following Joyce’s clarification, Hastie revised his stance, stating that he now considers Hanson to be the only individual acting deceptively.
The development marks a shift in the public dispute between the Liberal MP and the One Nation faction, as Hastie removes Joyce from the immediate scope of the controversy surrounding the cartoon.
Trust Joyce saying he didn’t know? Classic political dodge. I’m amazed Hastie swallowed that excuse so quickly.
Finally some accountability. It’s about time Hastie stopped shielding Joyce and called out Hanson directly for the deceit.