One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has been removed as the keynote speaker for an upcoming women’s property influencers’ convention in Sydney following widespread protests and online mockery. The Real Estate Institute of New South Wales (REINSW) has issued an apologetic letter to its members regarding the Women in Real Estate (WIRE) conference, initially set to feature Hanson at the Shangri-La Hotel in April.
The $545-per-head event was marketed as a gathering of influential figures shaping the future of real estate, with Hanson scheduled to deliver a talk on housing and national policy. The promotional material described her lecture as “a moment you’ll want to be in the room for, so you won’t want to miss it.”
Controversy Surrounding Hanson’s Inclusion
The decision to include Hanson as a speaker came just a week after her controversial statement that there are “no good Muslims,” sparking outrage and leading to calls for her removal. By February 27, just four days after announcing her participation, the REINSW had rescinded her invitation, citing a flood of complaints from members.
In their communication to members, the Institute acknowledged the backlash, stating, “A significant number … have told us they cannot separate Senator Hanson’s story of resilience from her policies.” This was a reference to the original promotional material, which highlighted Hanson as “an enduring presence in national politics” with “sustained electoral relevance.”
Industry Reaction and Public Mockery
Marc Minor, an official from the REINSW Regional Advisory Committee, publicly announced his resignation on Facebook, emphasizing the need for the industry to be “inclusive, respectful, and forward-looking.” Meanwhile, on social media platforms like Reddit, users mocked the decision to feature Hanson, with comments such as, “When you think real estate agents can’t get a worse reputation?”
Another user quipped, “It’s the ‘let’s pretend housing unaffordability is all the fault of migrants not property speculators’ show. Pauline says: Hands off our tax rorts!”
Response from REINSW
In a letter addressing the situation, REINSW CEO Tim McKibbin explained the rationale behind initially inviting Hanson, citing the conference’s history of featuring diverse speakers from various backgrounds. He stated, “Irrespective of her politics, she has faced many challenges and her resilience is clear. Nonetheless, Senator Hanson is a politician, and her policies cover a variety of issues.”
“A significant number of members have told us they cannot separate Senator Hanson’s story of resilience from her policies. We understand and respect those views and consequently, Senator Hanson will no longer be speaking at WIRE.”
Broader Implications and Political Fallout
Hanson’s recent comments on Sky News, where she claimed there are no good Muslims, have been widely condemned, even by conservative figures. Nationals Senator Matt Canavan labeled her remarks as “divisive, inflammatory” and “un-Australian,” highlighting the broader political implications of her statements.
This incident underscores the challenges organizations face when balancing diverse viewpoints with the potential for public backlash. As the real estate industry grapples with its public image, the removal of Hanson from the WIRE event reflects a broader societal shift towards inclusivity and respect.
Moving forward, the REINSW will likely continue to navigate the complexities of speaker selection, ensuring that future events align with the values and expectations of its members and the public. As for Hanson, the fallout from her comments and subsequent removal from the conference may prompt a reevaluation of her public engagements and political strategy.
