One Nation Senator Pauline Hanson lashes Scott Morrison over Australia Post announcement

The appointment of a new Australia Post chief executive has been lashed by the outspoken senator, who described the timing as ‘absolute arrogance’.

Outspoken senator Pauline Hanson has blasted the new appointment of Australia Post boss Paul Graham.

The Woolworths executive was announced as the new chief executive on Monday after Christine Holgate last year resigned following revelations senior leaders were gifted expensive Cartier watches.

But the One Nation leader said the announcement, one day before a probe into the circumstances leading to Ms Holgate being stood down, undermined the inquiry.

“Scott Morrison is attempting to deliberately destabilise witnesses ahead of tomorrow’s Senate inquiry,” Senator Hanson said.

“The announcement of a new Australia Post chief executive and managing director today shows absolute arrogance on behalf of the Prime Minister and two of his most senior ministers.

“It demonstrates unmistakeable contempt of the process and this is proving typical of the Prime Minister’s leadership style.”

Former Australia Post boss Christine Holgate resigned after giving senior leaders Cartier watches. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

Newly appointed Australia Post boss Paul Graham was Woolworths’ chief supply chain officer. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

RELATED Australia Post, Pauline Hanson in ‘hate mail’ scandal

Senator Hanson pushed for the inquiry, where Ms Holgate will give evidence on Tuesday, after “contradicting evidence” was provided by chairman Lucio Di Bartolomeo in relation to the alleged resignation.

The crossbencher has publicly demanded justice for Ms Holgate; who last week claimed she never agreed to stand aside after it was revealed that thousands of taxpayer dollars were spent on luxury watches.

“This is a woman who saved Australia Post,” Senator Hanson said.

“The Prime Minister hasn’t said boo about $77.5m in bonuses paid by the NBN Co, yet he’s thrown Christine Holgate under a bus for the purchase of $20,000 worth of watches given as bonuses following a boost of $220m to Australia Post’s bottom line.”