Australia's defence minister, Richard Marles, has described a One Nation cartoon labelling Liberal frontbencher Andrew Hastie a "traitor" as "tasteless" and called for it to be taken down. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing The Guardian.
Marles made the remarks on ABC News Breakfast, as many senior Liberals, independent Jacqui Lambie and RSL Australia condemned the cartoon.
The defence minister said this morning:
"Andrew Hastie is definitely not a traitor. I know him well and I've said this publicly. I very much honour the service that Andrew Hastie has given to our country, wearing our nation's uniform. I think to use that word in respect of a veteran is extremely tasteless."
He added: "No one should be using that word in respect of any veteran and in respect of Andrew."
Marles's statement came amid a political furore in Australia. The One Nation cartoon has sparked heated debate both within the Liberal Party and beyond. A number of senior Liberal figures condemned the cartoon, describing it as an act that goes beyond the bounds of political discourse.
Independent MP Jacqui Lambie was also among those who condemned the cartoon. RSL Australia, the country's veterans' organisation, also criticised the image and objected to the use of such language in relation to veterans.
Andrew Hastie is a former Australian military serviceman and currently a Liberal frontbencher. He served in the Australian Defence Force, a fact that plays an important role in his political career. Marles's statement that he knows Hastie well and honours his military service is linked to this.
The row over the cartoon illustrates the heightened tensions between Australia's political parties. One Nation, led by Pauline Hanson, occupies a distinctive place in Australia's political spectrum, and its actions frequently spark controversy.
The defence minister's statement raises the issue of respect for veterans. In Australia, military service and respect for veterans are considered important values in society, which is why the use of the word "traitor" in relation to a veteran has generated widespread resonance.
Marles's remarks on ABC News Breakfast were received as part of the official government position on the controversy. As defence minister, his words express the Australian government's attitude towards veterans.
The episode is being assessed as one manifestation of tension in Australia's political life. The unanimous condemnation of the cartoon by Liberal Party figures, independent MPs and community organisations shows how widely the issue has spread.
The central point in the defence minister's statement is the inadmissibility of using such words in relation to veterans. He noted Hastie's service to the country and pointed to the injustice of calling him a "traitor".
The controversy also raises a broader question about the level of political rhetoric in Australia. Conflicts between political parties are often characterised by harsh language, but such statements in relation to veterans provoke particular outrage in society.
The demand to take down the cartoon remains on the agenda. The defence minister's statement has widened the circle of those supporting that demand.