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Pauline Hanson has claimed she was ordered not film an interview next to a statue of Mary Poppins because the children’s character is ‘apolitical’.

The One Nation leader was filming an interview with Sky News in Maryborough on Queensland‘s Fraser Coast Region on Wednesday night when she claims a local official threatened to ring the police.

At the start of the interview with Steve Price, the One Nation Leader claimed that as they were setting up earlier, there had been a confrontation off-camera.

‘So a staffer came from the council and told me that I can’t film here next to Mary Poppins, because she’s apolitical, and told me I shouldn’t be here,’ Senator Hanson explained.

‘I told them “get lost, I’m doing the interview here”.’ 

Ms Hanson continued: ‘They said “we’re going to ring the police”… (and) they’ve gone away to ring them.

‘So if the police turn up and you see a confrontation here, you know what’s happening with it, because Mary Poppins is apolitical, and I shouldn’t be actually doing the interview here.’

Ms Hanson then held up an artwork to the camera depicting her as Mary Poppins created by a local.

A defiant Senator Hanson stood her ground as she vowed not to be bullied when she knew her rights.

‘I’m not a pushover, and no one is going to bully me or tell me,’ she continued.

‘I know I’m in my rights, and I can stand here beside my mate Mary Poppins, and I will.’

It’s unclear why Senator Hanson decided to be filmed next to the Mary Poppins statue. 

Senator Hanson also revealed it had been the second time someone had threatened to call the police on her in Maryborough that day.

She claimed the town was ‘run by a bunch of bullies who don’t want to see One Nation here.’

‘I’m sick and tired of these people. This is the second time today,’ she told Price.

Ms Hanson explained she had wanted to inspect the site of an old TAFE.

‘It was built about nine years ago. It’s sitting there in wreck and ruin.’

‘I went on the property to actually have a look at it.’

‘I was told by the security guard, ‘you’re not allowed to come here.”

‘I said, ”I’m here as a Member of Parliament. I want to know where the taxpayers’ dollars are going (with) this facility sitting there”.’

Ms Hanson said the security guard warned he would call the police. 

‘”Good, call the police”, I said. Because I’m going to have a look around,’ she recalled.

Senator Hanson wanted to inspect the site as it could have been used for ’emergency housing, for aged care, for educational purposes’.

The statue of Mary Poppins is located in the Maryborough City Hall Visitor Information Centre and is a tribute to the creator of Mary Poppins, P. L. Travers who was born Helen Lyndon Goff in Maryborough in 1899.

The Albanese Government today announces the appointment of Ms Jillian Segal AO as Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism in Australia, as part of our ongoing efforts to preserve social cohesion in Australia.

The conflict in the Middle East has deeply affected communities across Australia.

The appointment of the Special Envoy is a critical step in the Government’s efforts to ensure all Australians feel safe and included.

Every Australian, no matter their race or religion, should be able to feel safe and at home in any community, without prejudice or discrimination.

The Australian Government continues to press for a ceasefire, for civilians to be protected, humanitarian aid to reach Gazans in desperate need, and for all hostages to be released.

We have advocated for a two-state solution on the world stage, at the United Nations.

As Special Envoy, Ms Segal AO will listen to and engage with Jewish Australians, the wider Australian community, religious discrimination experts and all levels of government on the most effective way to combat Antisemitism.

Ms Segal will attend the World Jewish Congress in Argentina next week in her role as Special Envoy, alongside other Special Envoys to combat Antisemitism from around the world.

Ms Segal’s extensive career spans decades in both the public and private sector, including as former President of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry and as Chair of the Australia-Israel Chamber of Commerce. Her leadership and lived experience will prove invaluable to the Government’s efforts to build a cohesive society, where all Jewish Australians feel safe and can thrive.

Ms Segal has been appointed for a three-year term and will report directly to the Prime Minister and the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs.

The appointment of Ms Segal as Special Envoy will bolster the Government’s almost $90 million investment in initiatives to tackle the ongoing impacts of the Hamas-Israel conflict in Australia, demonstrating the Government’s firm commitment to listening to and working with affected communities.

The Federal Government will also appoint a Special Envoy for Islamophobia and the details of that appointment will be announced shortly.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“There is no place for violence or hatred of any kind in Australia.

“The appointment of Jillian Segal AO is a critical step in easing the tensions that we see playing out here at home, as a result of the devastating conflict in the Middle East.

“Australians are deeply concerned about this conflict, and many are hurting. In times like this, Australians must come together, not be torn apart.

“We have built our nation’s social cohesion together over generations, and this is why we all must work together to uphold, defend and preserve it.”

Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs Andrew Giles

“The Albanese Government has zero tolerance for prejudice or hatred of any kind.

“Antisemitic behaviour in Australia, including its recent rise, is unacceptable and the appointment of Ms Segal demonstrates our Government’s firm commitment to tackling Antisemitism head-on.

“Ms Segal’s extensive leadership experience, and decades of advocacy for Jewish Australians will be invaluable as she works with Government to engage with community and take decisive steps to combat Antisemitic behaviour.”

Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism Ms Jillian Segal AO

“Combating Antisemitism in Australia has never been more important than it is today.

“The Jewish community in Australia is experiencing valid feelings of fear in the face of increasing Antisemitism.

“Jewish Australians want to feel free to live their day-to-day lives, and also want to feel safe to practice and express their religion without fear. They also want to be able to contribute as they have previously to the vibrant multicultural society that we value in Australia.

“I look forward to working with stakeholders across the community to deliver a safer future for my community, and to strengthen social cohesion and drive a strong, informed and deliberate approach to combating Antisemitism.”

This week, we are pleased to welcome Prime Minister of Tuvalu, the Hon Feleti Teo OBE, to Australia, where he will visit Brisbane, Adelaide and Tamworth and meet with Prime Minister Albanese, senior members of the Government and Opposition, PALM workers and diaspora.

Prime Minister Feleti’s visit is an opportunity to discuss progress on implementation of the Falepili Union, our joint initiative to help safeguard our collective peace, security and sovereignty.

To help grow our people to people ties, and boost connectivity, Australia is pleased to announce up to $40 million in aviation and connectivity support.

We have already made progress on several commitments as part of the Falepili Union, including:

• Tuvalu’s first undersea telecommunications cable, which will deliver transformative digital access and improve connectivity for the people of Tuvalu. After careful planning, works will begin in August.
• After the successful completion of phase 1 of the Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project, which has added significant land to Funafuti, the next phase will commence shortly.
• The first tranche of budget support for critical services has now been provided, and a design team is conducting consultations in Tuvalu in July to support a new economic governance program.
• Australia has confirmed the arrival of a new Guardian-class Patrol Boat in the third quarter of this year.

The historic partnership puts people first, and will help protect Tuvalu’s people, identity and culture, and grow ties between Australia and Tuvalu.

We are honoured to share some of our own history, culture and traditions during the visit and discuss the elevation of our partnership.

We also warmly welcome Prime Minister Feleti’s announcement of the Tuvalu Government’s intention to open a new diplomatic mission in Canberra.

This is a clear demonstration of the growth of the bilateral relationship and will help support the growing Tuvaluan diaspora in Australia as a result of the Albanese Government’s Pacific Engagement Visa and upcoming mobility pathway between Australia and Tuvalu.

Prime Minister Feleti will also meet with Senator Simon Birmingham during his visit.

This follows Australia’s bipartisan visit to Tuvalu in May 2024 and demonstrates Australia’s bipartisan commitment to Tuvalu and the Pacific region.

Work has begun on the much-needed upgrade to Henson Park following a $12.5 million funding agreement between the Federal Government, State Government, the AFL and Inner West Council.

The Albanese Government has long supported a renewal of Henson Park, having first committed to funding its upgrade in 2019.

The investment from the Australian Government of $2.5 million for the upgrade alongside the NSW Government’s $5 million investment, $4.5 million from the AFL and $500,000 from the Inner West Council – plus the Council’s $2.85 million for surface renewal, drainage and improved lighting in recent years – has meant the dream for Henson Park to become an elite venue is almost realised.

Due for completion before the 2025 NAB AFLW and NSWRL Cup seasons, the Henson Park works will update its change facilities and improve accessibility of the heritage King George V grandstand while maintaining the venue’s historic feel.

The upgrades to the ground include:

• Overhauling the interior of the grandstand to modernise the change room facilities, including amenities for women and girls for the first time at this ground.
• Adding two more change rooms and a gymnasium at the rear of the grandstand.
• A multi-use function room behind the grandstand.
• An elevator to the grandstand to improve accessibility to the upper levels.

The ground hosts elite AFLW matches for the Sydney Swans and the Greater Western Sydney Giants as well as the Newtown Jets in the NSW Cup Rugby league competition.

AFL Sydney women’s and men’s leagues matches are a mainstay at the oval and it is often a home to the Newtown Breakaways AFL Football Club which uses the oval for its major events throughout the year including its annual Pride Round celebrations.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“Henson Park has been the heartbeat of Marrickville’s sports community since its 1933 opening and I’m so proud to be part of its renewal.

“Whether it’s AFL or NRL, or other uses of the ground in the future, these upgrades will offer immense benefits to all who step onto the hallowed turf, whether elite players or weekend warriors.”

Mayor of the Inner West Council Darcy Byrne:

“This upgrade will secure the future of Henson Park as the home of the mighty Newtown Jets and a hub for women’s AFL.

“The big crowds that have been attending Sydney Swans Women’s and Jets’ games will only grow in the years to come because of these investments.”

NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper:

“Henson Park has an intangible atmosphere which would inspire any sportsperson.

“The NSW people deserve community facilities like this one and it’s a great thing to have so many stakeholders unite to deliver the ground-breaking upgrade to this heritage grandstand and change facilities.

“I can’t wait to see the elite surface of Henson Park be matched by its internal facilities and watch the reaction for the tens of thousands of people who play at this ground over the years.”

AFL Executive General Manager of Game Development Rob Auld:

“Henson Park is one of the premier venues for Australian Rules football in NSW, from the elite NAB AFLW competition through to community football, and with this upgrade it will be one of the best in the country for all players and umpires.

“It’s a venue which clearly means a lot to its community and the AFL is elated to drive the project that will maintain its heritage but bring it into the 21st century and beyond through clever and necessary improvements. Thank you to the NSW and Australian Governments, as well as the Inner West Council for funding and their support throughout the process, it’s an exciting time for Henson and the entire football community.”

CEO of Newtown Jets RLFC Stuart McCarthy:

“Henson Park is Sydney’s greatest natural amphitheatre and a venue like no other. It is iconic, especially to the community of the inner west. It has been the spiritual home of the Newtown Jets since 1936.

“This project provides upgrades to the facilities for both sporting participants, female and male, grassroots and elite, all abilities and the public.

“A sunny winter’s arvo at Henson Park is hands down the best sporting experience you can find in Sydney. Long live many more of them now and well into the future.”