Barnaby Joyce defends Pauline Hanson's interview with Tommy Robinson amid dog interruptions

Australian politician Barnaby Joyce faced a spiky interview on ABC's 7.30 program, where he attempted to defend One Nation leader Pauline Hanson's recent podcast interview with Tommy Robinson, a convicted criminal.

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I don’t know whether you do welcome me, but let’s have a go.

Joyce acknowledged Robinson had committed illegal acts but argued that "massive problems" arise from a lack of assimilation, referencing events in Bondi. When pressed by interviewer Sarah Ferguson about Hanson endorsing Robinson, who has been condemned for inciting race riots, Joyce stated he did not believe Hanson condoned every action.

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sorry, it’s a dog

The interview was punctuated by interruptions from a dog, which led to a brief exchange where Joyce told the animal to "sit down." Later, as Joyce was asked about One Nation's potential policy of mass deportations, the dog again interrupted, prompting Joyce to apologize. Ferguson urged him to answer the question, to which Joyce retorted, "Don't be rude." The dog's presence was a recurring theme, with Ferguson humorously remarking at the end that the dog was "no problem," to which Joyce replied, "It was to me."

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Don’t worry about the dog. Just answer the question.

Joyce also stated he was unaware of who financed Hanson's trip to Europe. The interview highlighted the ongoing controversy surrounding Hanson's engagement with controversial figures and her party's platform.

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Don’t be rude. Don’t be rude. Otherwise, this interview will come to a grinding halt, Sarah. So what was the question actually?