One Nation rift erupts in Senate showdown

Brian Burston and James Ashby clashed at Parliament House following claims of alleged sexual harassment involving Pauline Hanson.

Senator Brian Burston and One Nation adviser James Ashby have clashed in a heated confrontation at Parliament House following claims of alleged sexual harassment involving the One Nation turncoat and Pauline Hanson.

The Australian witnessed the physical clash near the entrance of the Great Hall last night during the Australian Minerals Industry Parliamentary Dinner. Senator Hanson and Senator Burston, who was with his wife Rosalyn, were guests at the dinner.

When approached for comment about the incident, Senator Burston told The Australian: “F. k you”, adding: “It’s all a set-up.”

Senator Burston said he had since reported the incident to the Australian Federal Police and that he would seek their “protection” and a restraining order.

Mr Ashby said: “The AFP are welcome to review all video footage and they will see these claims by Brian Burston are false.”

The Australian witnessed the physical clash. Picture: Geoff Chambers

A red substance was found on the doors of the suite. Picture: Supplied

Senior One Nation staffers also witnessed the altercation, in which Senator Burston grabbed at Mr Ashby’s phone after Senator Hanson’s chief-of-staff filmed him as he left the function.

Security officials were later called to Senator Hanson’s office, after a red substance described by One Nation staff as blood, was found on the doors of the suite. The Australian is not suggesting Senator Burston was involved in that incident.

The clash occurred after an ­article was published by News Corp about Senator Hanson dismissing claims she sexually harassed Senator Burston. The Queensland senator described the claims of Senator Burston, a member of Clive Palmer’s United Australia Party, as a “load of bloody rubbish”.

Senator Burston alleged Senator Hanson’s unwanted ­advances over two decades were a factor in his decision to quit One Nation last year following the pair’s fallout over the party’s position on the government’s company tax cuts.

Brian Burston’s thumb following the incident. Picture: Supplied

News Corp last night reported Senator Burston’s claims that Senator Hanson “rubbed her fingers up my spine” during a One Nation AGM at Rooty Hill RSL in Sydney in 1998.

Senator Hanson responded to his claim by saying: “I wouldn’t go near him with a barge pole.”

Speaking on Sky News, Senator Hanson said: “I might be 64 but I’m not that desperate. These are allegations that have been made up, there are no truth to them whatsoever and I feel sorry for his wife, I really feel sorry for his wife.’’

The clash occurred after an ­article was published by News Corp about Senator Hanson dismissing claims she sexually harassed Senator Burston. Picture: AAP

Senator Burston’s comments came after Senator Hanson on Tuesday night told parliament that an unnamed senator who had been involved in “more than six” unfair dismissal cases was also facing “another case of serious sexual harassment”.

The Australian is not suggesting Senator Hanson was referring to Senator Burston.