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Qantas 'considers' surprising move against Fraser Anning after controversial NZ comments


Qantas is considering stripping Senator Fraser Anning of his membership to one of its most exclusive clubs after his comments following the Christchurch mosque massacre which left 50 dead.

In the wake of the tragedy, Mr Anning was widely condemned for blaming Muslim immigration for the racist attacks on two New Zealand mosques on Friday.

Yahoo7 News understands Qantas is now planning to review his Qantas Chairman’s Lounge membership.

Fraser Anning could be stripped of his exclusive Qantas membership following his controversial comments after the Christchurch massacre. Source: AAP
Fraser Anning could be stripped of his exclusive Qantas membership following his controversial comments after the Christchurch massacre. Source: AAP

Malcolm Roberts, who previously sat in the senate as part of the One Nation party, tweeted it could have been an issue of free speech.

Senator Anning replaced Mr Roberts in the One Nation party after he was disqualified in 2017, but quit the party to become an independent after falling out with leader Pauline Hanson.

“Qantas are free to decide who should and shouldn’t enter Chairman’s Lounge,” Mr Roberts tweeted.

“In return, Australians who think this decision is an unjustified attack on free speech can retaliate by not flying Qantas.

“That’s how free speech works, we each live with lawful consequences for our actions.”

Qantas CEO Alan Joyce is reportedly calling for a review of Fraser Anning’s Chairman’s Lounge membership. Source: Getty
Qantas CEO Alan Joyce is reportedly calling for a review of Fraser Anning’s Chairman’s Lounge membership. Source: Getty

Mr Anning was criticised for tweets following the Christchurch massacre, including one that said: “Does anyone still dispute the link between Muslim immigration and violence?”

“The real cause of the bloodshed on New Zealand streets today is the immigration program which allowed Muslim fanatics to migrate to New Zealand in the first place,” he said in a later statement.

There has been a petition circulating, signed by more than a million people, calling for him to be dumped from parliament.

A teenager cracks an egg over Fraser Anning’s head during a press conference. Source: 7 News
A teenager cracks an egg over Fraser Anning’s head during a press conference. Source: 7 News

A teen, now known as Eggboy, also cracked an egg over Mr Anning’s head following the controversial comments.

Senator Anning lashed out by hitting the boy twice in the face before the teen was tackled to the ground by several men.

Mr Anning later defended his actions by saying that’s what his mother “should have given him” a long time ago.

Qantas responded to a Yahoo7 News enquiry saying that they will not be commenting on the matter.

Do you know more or have a story tip? Email: y7newsroom@yahoo7.com.au.

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