Right-wing extremist Christopher Shortis fights to overturn Victoria Police ban on becoming a security guard
A right-wing extremist who was one of the first people in Victoria to be convicted under hate speech laws has launched legal action against police after he was refused a licence to work as a security guard.
Law & Order
Don't miss out on the headlines from Law & Order. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A right-wing extremist who was one of the first people in Victoria to be convicted under hate speech laws has launched a legal battle against police after he was refused a licence to work as a security guard.
Police told a tribunal yesterday they hold serious concerns about granting Christopher Shortis, 48, a private security licence due to his extreme political ideologies, his disregard for the law and public safety, and willingness to “inflame volatile situations”.
The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal heard police did not believe Mr Shortis, a former United Patriots Front leader, would be able to set aside his views and be respectful to a “diverse range of cultures and belief systems”.
Inspector Justin Goldsmith said members of the public would be “extremely concerned” to see Mr Shortis working on the frontline alongside police.
But Mr Shortis claimed he is just a “friendly guy”, trying to get a part-time job while he completes his law degree.
Representing himself, Mr Shortis said society was struggling to find a balance between freedom of speech and discrimination, likening himself to TV host Sonia Kruger as being publicly vilified for comments she made about Muslim immigration and terrorist activity.
The self-described white nationalist was one of three men found guilty under racial vilification laws for inciting hatred towards Muslims after he and fellow United Patriots Front member Blair Cottrell and Neil Erikson staged a mock beheading outside the proposed site of a Bendigo mosque in 2015.
All three men were fined $2000.
Mr Shortis, who appeared dressed as a Sheik and used the plastic sword to behead the mannequin while yelling ‘Allahu Akbar”, told VCAT the video was simply a “skit” that was “taking the piss”.
MORE:
TRIO CONVICTED OVER BENDIGO MOSQUE ‘BEHEADING’ VIDEO STUNT
UNITED PATRIOTS FRONT LEADER POURS HEART OUT TO COURT
FAR-RIGHT ACTIVIST FOUND GUILTY OF CONTEMPT
Mr Cottrell has appealed his conviction claiming the law is “unconstitutional” with the Attorney-General Jill Hennessy launching a dramatic intervention to uphold the legislation’s validity.
Mr Shortis said yesterday he hoped to finish his law degree and become a politician so he could change the legislation.
He also claimed he got along with people “just fine” and had completed his security training at a Broadmeadows centre “run by Muslims”.
The tribunal heard Mr Shortis, who represented himself, had previously lost his firearm licence on similar grounds.
VCAT member Anne Dea will hand down her decision at a later date.