Anika Wells’ latest tech policy would shut down Pauline Hanson’s satire “Please Explain” cartoon, according to Shadow Communications Minister Sarah Henderson.
The Liberal Senator’s assessment comes after the controversial One Nation cartoon made headlines on Monday for its mocking depiction of Tasmania Senator Jacqui Lambie’s health condition in its latest episode.
Senator Lambie was depicted saying: “I can’t laugh because of my prolapsed vagina”.
Senator Henderson claimed that under changes made to the draft Digital Duty of Care laws tabled to parliament last week, Senator Hanson’s cartoon would be banned under gender abuse provisions.
“Her health and mocking that in the cartoon, I think, was a bit off but I do strongly support One Nation’s right to exercise that free speech,” Senator Henderson told News24 on Monday.
“I’ve looked at whether this could be excluded and I think that under the government’s sweeping powers, it does have the power to shut down the One Nation cartoon.
“One of the seriously harmful material and conduct categories is gender-based violence. So, it could well argue that on that basis alone this is prohibited material.
“There’s no exclusion for satire. They want to shut down their political opponents. They want to stop other voices on the political spectrum and I think they’re particularly focused on One Nation.”
But Ms Wells used a National Press Club address on Thursday to deny that the bill was a move to censor opponents and insisted it was about keeping people safe from harm online.
Senator Lambie had taken five months of leave from Parliament for the condition, which affects up to 50 per cent of women and can be caused by pregnancy, childbirth, ageing or other injuries.
Speaking to ABC radio on Monday, Senator Lambie condemned the episode and insisted they added “hatred” and “spitefulness” to public life.
“Seriously, enough is enough. Decent leaders don’t stir up hatred, pushing us towards bloody anarchy. That’s exactly what (Hanson) is doing.”
Senator Lambie also issued a statement on Monday about the cartoon where she noted that she had been selling satirical mugs on her condition to raise awareness for vaginal prolapse.
“I’ve also seen commentary saying that because I spoke publicly about my health, it’s now ‘fair game’. No. Speaking openly is not an invitation to be mocked or degraded,” she said.
“We should be encouraging these conversations so people feel comfortable seeking help.”
In response to the backlash, the One Nation leader told Senator Lambie to “lighten up” and “get over it” during a press conference in Hobart on Monday.
“Jackie Lambie, get over it. Okay. It’s actually satirical and I think she’s taken a heart, which she shouldn’t. Have a good look at it, have a good laugh, Jackie and lighten up,” she said.
Senator Hanson also acknowledged that Senator Lambie had brought awareness to the issue and opened women’s eyes to the condition.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was among a raft of politicians to support Senator Lambie on Monday, thanking her for “courage which will help others”.
Fellow Independent Senator David Pocock also issued his support, insisting Senator Lambie had shown leadership for Australian women by sharing her personal story, “challenging the stigma and pushing for us to do better”.
“Your courage deserves respect not ridicule,” he said.
Senator Henderson’s colleague and Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson described mocking a health condition as “despicable”.
“I haven’t seen this cartoon, but the idea that you would mock somebody for their health condition is despicable and really reveals the true character of One Nation, and their focus is not on the Australian people,” Mr Wilson said.
It’s not the first time the cartoon has made headlines after it controversially labelled Liberal MP and former SAS soldier Andrew Hastie a “traitor”.