Aaron Bunch Journalist with Australian Associated Press | Collection of published work | + 61 484 008 119 | abunch@aap.com.au
Anning keen for more right-wing rallies
Senator Fraser Anning plans to represent Queensland at more right-wing extremists rallies.
January 9, 2019
Senator Fraser Anning says he’s prepared to travel to more right-wing rallies on behalf of Queensland.
Both sides of politics have robustly criticised the independent senator’s presence at an extremists rally in Melbourne on Saturday, which was attended by people making Nazi gestures.
But the accidental senator says he was representing “decent” Australians and intends attending similar rallies in the lead up to the federal election.
“Sure, why not … I’ll go to rallies if I think it’s important for the Queensland people, absolutely,” he told reporters in Brisbane on Wednesday.
Senator Anning again said he had no intention of repaying $2852.80 he spent on flights to get to the St Kilda rally, which he claimed was about “Sudanese gangs” being out of hand.
“It was legitimate business as far as I am concerned. I don’t go down there for a party or a picnic,” he said.
The senator also defended his family travel costs, after it emerged he had claimed $19,000 from July to September 2018.
“My wife is a volunteer with my office, so she travels to me to Canberra and other places … it’s within parliamentary guidelines,” he said.