Nationals allegedly infiltrated by people with links to neo-Nazis and white supremacists

This article is more than 1 year old

This article is more than 1 year old

Senior members of the NSW Nationals have held a special meeting to discuss how their party has been infiltrated by people with alleged links to the far right, neo-Nazis and white supremacist groups, with plans to purge the party of any extremists.

Michael McCormack, the federal leader of the Nationals, says his party will not tolerate the “politics of hate”.

The issue came to light earlier this month when the ABC’s Background Briefing reported it had uncovered a plot by Australia’s alt-right movement to join major political parties.

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On Monday the NSW Nationals’ constitution and ethics committee met to discuss the scandal engulfing the party.

The committee includes long-standing members of the NSW branch of the party.

They released a short statement afterwards, giving no indication of the size of the problem or when they hoped to finish their investigation.

“Information was examined and discussed, and the Committee’s urgent investigation into the matter continues. No further statement to the media will be made until the matter is resolved.”

It is understood the party has investigated at least 35 members. The ABC reported some of those under investigation had allegedly shared social media posts praising Hitler.

The party’s state director, Ross Cadell, told the ABC it is likely at least 20 members will receive letters asking them to explain why they should not be expelled.

On Monday, the Daily Telegraph reported the Nationals had compiled a dossier of 40 members with extensive links to groups such as the New Guard, Antipodean Resistance and the Lads Society.

Michael McCormack (@M_McCormackMP) The Nationals will not tolerate extremism or the politics of hate. People found to engage with such radicalism are not welcome in our party. We are a grassroots party proudly championing what matters most to our regional and rural communities – always has been, always will be.

McCormack tweeted on Monday that his party would not tolerate extremism.

“People found to engage with such radicalism are not welcome in our party,” he said.

“We are a grassroots party proudly championing what matters most to our regional and rural communities – always has been, always will be.”

GetUp national director Paul Oosting said writing to the members to ask why they should not be expelled was inadequate. “The Coalition needs to stop and reflect – a polite letter opening dialogue is not an adequate response to the extreme agenda that has taken hold within their parties.”