One Nation Spence candidate Linda Champion regrets thanking far right extremist for Election Day help
A South Australian One Nation candidate “regrets” being pictured at the polls with a man believed to be a member of far right extremist group True Blue Crew.
North & North East
Don't miss out on the headlines from North & North East. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A South Australian One Nation candidate is “regretful” she received Election Day assistance from a far right extremist group.
Spence candidate Linda Champion has been photographed with a man wearing a T-shirt with a True Blue Crew logo.
Ms Champion, whose husband was embroiled in a black face controversy before her signs vandalised, shared the photo with the man understood to be associated with TBC to her campaign Facebook page.
In the now deleted social media post Ms Champion said she received a “surprise visit” from the man she knew as Joel.
“It was so nice to meet you Joel and I’m grateful for the time you took to help today,” Ms Champion wrote.
Joel Hendrie, believed to be the man pictured, commented saying, “TBC are still around sticking up for Australia values”.
Mr Hendrie told the Advertiser he was not a member of the crew but “liked” them, was aware what the insignia stood for and was not going to get rid of the T-shirt.
“I just believe everyone should have the right to say anything they want,” he said.
Ms Champion told the Advertiser she was unaware of the group and was disappointed to have posted the photo.
“It’s a bit unfortunate. I shouldn’t have to study people’s T-shirts,” she said.
“Everybody has something written on their shirts these days. I’m not going to sit there and waste anyone’s time and google their emblem before I talk to them.
“I’m very regretful I was seen with this person.”
Ms Champion said she had met Mr Hendrie two or three times but was not aware of any associations.
At the 2019 election it was reported One Nation candidates had been forbidden from associating with the far right group.
The group was banned from Facebook after posting Islamophobic imagery in the wake of the Christchurch massacre.
High profile member Phillip Galea was in 2016 charged with terrorism related offences and accused of preparing a how-to guide for far right terrorists titled Patriot’s Cookbook.
The One Nation campaign manager refused to comment on the matter “at this stage”.
‘It was me, sir’: Expert unpacks bloodied killer’s confession
It was the shock moment caught on camera of a “dishevelled” Cody Edwards in the aftermath of killing Synamin Bell. Watch the footage and see the expert analysis.
‘Horrible situation’: Day four and still no power
Schools and businesses in the state’s north will remain closed as townships remain without power or reliant on costly generators, four days after a monster storm hit.