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ABC News
4 hours ago
- ABC News
Wagga Wagga graphic artist pleads not guilty to Nazi symbols charge
The lawyer of a graphic artist charged over a satirical poster depicting Liberal politicians and billionaires in Nazi uniforms says the law is being weaponised to stifle protest. Michael Agzarian was charged with one count of displaying Nazi symbols by a public act without lawful excuse, after he displayed posters depicting Coalition politicians and Australian billionaires as German World War II soldiers in his shop window before this year's federal election. Supporters of the graphic designer gathered outside Wagga Wagga courthouse on Wednesday, carrying placards stating "satire is not a crime". The 69-year-old's lawyer, Nick Hanna, entered a plea of not guilty on his client's behalf. The law criminalising the display of Nazi symbols in New South Wales was passed in August 2022. Speaking after the court appearance, Mr Hanna said the law was not being used as it was intended. "This offence provision is not being used to combat Nazism or far right extremism or racism, but rather to be weaponised against people who are protesting against injustices that are being carried out," he said. The posters, displayed in a Wagga Wagga shopfront during the March federal election campaign, allegedly depicted Riverina MP Michael McCormack, former opposition leader Peter Dutton, mining magnate Gina Rinehart, and billionaire businessman and politician Clive Palmer dressed as Nazis. Mr Hanna said it was important that artists were free to express their political views. "Whether you agree or disagree with what Mr Agzarian has expressed in his artwork, I hope we can all agree that people should be able to express their political views through art," he said. Leigh Swansborough was outside the courthouse to support Mr Agzarian and the concept of freedom of speech. "I don't think Wagga really appreciates the brilliance of this man, and his art should be in a national gallery," she said. The matter was adjourned until next month.
ABC News
8 hours ago
- ABC News
SA Liberals announce candidates as party looks to reclaim state's South East
Two Liberal Party candidates could make history as the first female MPs in South Australia's South East, as the party looks to rebuild following a heavy election loss. The party has nominated lawyer Lamorna Alexander for the seat of Mount Gambier and lawyer and public relations professional Rebekah Rosser for the MacKillop contest at the 2026 state election. It sets up two showdowns with incumbent Liberal-turned independents, both facing their own legal battles, in seats vital to rebuilding following its heavy loss at the 2022 state election. Ms Alexander, a lawyer and mother of three, is the first Liberal woman to run for the seat since 1965. She said the opportunity to be the first female MP for the seat was exciting and that it did not come with any extra pressure. "I'll be honest, I don't look at male or female, I look at the quality of the actual person who is running and I believe I have those skills," she said. "It does offer the electorate something different but it wasn't staged. The Mount Gambier electorate does have an independent streak, only being held by an independent 20 of the past 23 years. Incumbent Troy Bell was elected in 2014 as a Liberal, but quit the party in 2017 when charged with criminal offences. In September, he was found guilty of stealing $430,000 from not-for-profit educational organisations while working for the state's education department. Bell has appealed the verdict, and he is yet to be sentenced. When contacted for comment, he said he had a plan for the region based on conversations with locals and was committed to running at the 2026 election. "I hope both major parties take the time to do the same — to genuinely engage and listen to the people of Mount Gambier and the greater region," he said. "I look forward to seeing strong commitments and major announcements for our region from all candidates and parties during this campaign." The electorate of MacKillop, including its predecessor Victoria, has been in the hands of Liberals with only two exceptions since 1938. Ms Rosser has a law degree and worked as an adviser in the John Howard federal government and the John Olsen state government. Ms Rosser said the party needed to be more effective at communicating its values. "I think sometimes they get lost in the political talk and I'd like to really make sure our thinking about those overlays the policies we develop." The incumbent, Nick McBride, was elected in 2018 as a Liberal but left the party in 2023 amid factional disputes. In April, he was charged with three counts of assaulting his wife and faced court for the first time in May. Mr McBride has denied any wrongdoing and has said he will contest the 2026 election. He said he looked forward to a "respectful campaign". "I have a deep understanding of the issues that affect the people who live and work here," he said. "I look forward to continuing to advocate to government so that city decision-makers ensure that the electorate gets its fair share of funding." Following the 2022 state election, the Liberal Party was reduced to just 14 seats, which became 13 with Mr McBride's defection. In comparison, Labor holds 28 seats in SA parliament's 47-seat House of Assembly. Flinders University politics expert Rob Manwaring said winning the South East would not be enough to lead the Liberals back to government. But he said it would help rebuild the party's credibility. "If they are to have a serious chance of looking like a credible sort of alternative party or government, then they need to make sure they win their base seats," he said. "Where they've had so many independents or people leaving the party, it just undermines the ability for a leader to say, 'Look, we're a coherent, disciplined political party.'"
SBS Australia
12 hours ago
- SBS Australia
SBS News in Filipino, Wednesday 20 August 2025
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu accused Albanese of betraying Israel and turning his back on the Jewish community in Australia. The federal government will spend $1.3 billion on new counter-drone systems to be used at the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane. Philippines, Australia, and Canada conducted a joint sail in the South China Sea as part of ALON. LISTEN TO SBS Filipino 07:43 Filipino 📢 Where to Catch SBS Filipino
