Pete Evans will join politics and run for the Australian Senate, as a member of The Great Australian Party, set up by former One Nation senator Rod Culleton.
A former celebrity chef and known anti-vaxxer, who was in the news recently after being abandoned by several of his sponsors for posting a neo-Nazi symbol on social media, Evans was announced as a candidate for the upcoming federal election in a statement from the party.
“Pete Evans has maintained his principles and inspired others in the face of uncommon adversity,” a statement from Culleton, released today, said.
“Pete is fully supportive of the GAP ethos, supporting restoration of the Commonwealth and the preservation of democracy in Australia.
“Throughout his engagement with GAP’s national selection committee, Pete presented an unwavering commitment to advancing the freedoms of all Australians. As a result, he has been resoundingly approved.
“Pete Evans has consistently demonstrated courage in exposing matters of public information and interest, provoking much needed debate despite personal cost to himself.
“I believe Pete Evans will effectively and diligently represent GAP’s growing membership base and all NSW constituents. Pete possesses the essential attributes required to challenge the status quo and restore the rule of law as defined in our constitution.
“It gives me great pleasure to congratulate Pete and welcome him on board as GAP’s first federal candidate for the NSW senate.”
Speaking to Sky News, Senator Simon Birmingham was asked how he would feel about being in the chamber with Evans. However, he told the outlet he trusted the Australian people to elect “more sensible” people to office.
“I trust the Australian people to make sure that’s not the case,” Birmingham told Sky News.
“You need to at least have a decent vote to be able to get over the line.
“I think Australians have little tolerance for some of the types of views that Pete Evans has pushed in the past and will elect more sensible people to the Australian Senate at the next election.”
