A Current Affair dodges questions about who paid for Pauline Hanson’s Uluru trip
A Current Affair has dodged questions as to whether or not it paid for controversial One Nation leader Pauline Hanson to climb Uluru.
After a trailer was dropped for Monday night’s episode of the current affairs show, many had questions as to how the show was granted access to Hanson’s trip.
It's still legal. But is it right?
MONDAY. 7.00PM. #9ACA. pic.twitter.com/YywKw3Rk2r— A Current Affair (@ACurrentAffair9) 23 August 2019
Nine would not confirm to The New Daily as to whether or not they had paid for the trip.
“Pauline Hanson has recently expressed a desire to attempt to climb Uluru after the announcement that local landowners would be enforcing their desire to prohibit people climbing the magnificent natural landmark,” a Nine spokesman said.
“Ms Hanson invited A Current Affair, along with local land owners, on that journey.”
A Current Affair have defended their decision to film her journey, saying that it would help Australians gain an insight into the debate.
“The ACA team followed due diligence to ensure all permits were granted and the climb was approved, and engaged local elders who agreed to meet with Ms Hanson,” the spokesperson told The New Daily.
Hanson also shared a post to Instagram, saying that she was heading back to Alice Springs with the “Current Affair crew”.
“Heading back to Alice Springs with the A Current Affairs crew,” she wrote.
“I managed to get front seat for a change. Don’t forget to watch the show Monday night.”
Last Thursday, Hanson told The ABC that she now understands why climbing Uluru would be banned.
“It’s quite scary. I was surprised. I’d never been out there before,” she said.
“I respect the decision that there is not enough safety with regards to the rock.
“I respect the decision that their people, their kids, are not getting jobs. They’re bringing in Aboriginals from outside to fill the positions that should belong to their own people.”