As Australians prepare to head to the polls for the 2025 Federal election, it’s crucial to consider the track record and conduct of those who represent us in Parliament. This election is an opportunity to shape the future of our nation, and a well-informed vote is your most powerful tool.
One figure who has frequently been in the headlines since his election in 2022 is Senator Ralph Babet, representing the United Australia Party (UAP) for Victoria. Understanding the controversies surrounding Senator Babet is essential for all Australian voters as we consider who we want representing our values and interests in Canberra.
A Pattern of Controversial Social Media Conduct:
Senator Babet’s use of social media has been a consistent source of controversy. In November 2024, he was formally censured by the Senate for his "inflammatory use of hate speech, designed to drive division for his own political benefit". This censure followed a social media post containing offensive content, including racial and homophobic slurs. Despite widespread condemnation and calls for his resignation, Senator Babet refused to apologise, asserting his commitment to free speech.
This wasn't an isolated incident. In April 2024, Senator Babet posted a video depicting the stabbing of Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel, which was deemed violent and inappropriate by the eSafety commissioner, who requested its removal. This raises serious questions about the kind of content we expect our elected officials to share publicly. Furthermore, in August 2024, he faced criticism for posting edited videos of committee proceedings that were considered misleading. These edits reportedly gave the "impression that witnesses were unable to answer questions, leading to threatening comments directed at officials". Such actions undermine the integrity of parliamentary processes and can have real-world consequences.
Concerns Regarding Extremist Associations:
In February 2024, a photograph emerged showing Senator Babet with a member of the National Socialist Network performing a partial Nazi salute. While Babet stated he did not know the individual and did not endorse extremist ideologies, the association understandably raised concerns. Voters deserve to know who their representatives are associating with and whether those associations align with community values.
Challenging Democratic Processes:
In November 2024, Senator Babet, alongside former UAP leader Clive Palmer, initiated a High Court challenge against certain provisions of the Commonwealth Electoral Act. These provisions prevent deregistered parties, like the UAP, from contesting elections until the next general election. Babet and Palmer argued that these laws are unconstitutional and restrict democratic participation, likening the situation to electoral practices in authoritarian regimes. This legal challenge against the fundamental rules of our electoral system is a significant action that warrants careful consideration by voters.
Questions of Ethical Conduct and Priorities:
Beyond his social media activity and associations, questions have been raised about Senator Babet’s ethical conduct and priorities. In March 2023, reports emerged that he was still working for his family's real estate business, Babet Brothers, while serving as a Senator. While he stated he was not receiving payment and intended to return to the business after his term, this "raised questions about potential conflicts of interest and the appropriate balance between public duties and private business interests".
Furthermore, Senator Babet has made contentious remarks about his parliamentary salary, describing it as a "pay cut" and insufficient for the "suffering" he would endure in parliament. These statements may strike many Australians as out of touch with the realities faced by everyday workers.
Making an Informed Choice:
As you consider your vote in the upcoming 2025 Federal election, it is vital to reflect on the conduct of our elected officials. The controversies surrounding Senator Ralph Babet, as detailed in the sources, raise important questions about the standards we expect from our parliamentary representatives.
Do these actions and statements align with your values? Do they reflect the kind of leadership you want for Australia? These are the questions every voter should ask themselves before casting their ballot. Your vote is your voice – make it count by being informed and engaged.
An example of how this Senator has acted:
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ralph_Babet
https://theconversation.com/senate-censures-lidia-thorpe-for-disupting-kings-reception-and-ralph-babet-for-posting-hate-speech-243927
https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Community_Affairs/ExcessMortality47/Report/Dissenting_Report_from_Senator_Babet_of_the_United_Australia_Party
https://www.news.com.au/technology/online/social/fringe-politician-doubles-down-on-disgusting-racist-homophobic-and-ableist-slurs/news-story/141e707deda62719e401398a2066da49
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-11-18/lidia-thorpe-and-ralph-babet-censured-by-parliament/104613292
https://www.news.com.au/national/politics/not-putins-russia-palmer-slams-unconstitutional-election-laws-amid-court-bid-to-be-included/news-story/ef7ef23892dcc19bc786cb2dc9c19524
https://www.theguardian.com/media/article/2024/sep/04/ralph-babet-wakeley-church-stabbing-post-elon-musk-x-ntwnfb
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/mar/13/united-australia-senator-ralph-babet-defends-working-for-family-real-estate-business
https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/senator-babet-dares-woke-ass-clowns-to-criticise-him-amid-foulmouthed-rant-on-social-media/news-story/b9798ce1777befe27a245d2fce61b18e
https://www.news.com.au/national/politics/not-putins-russia-palmer-slams-unconstitutional-election-laws-amid-court-bid-to-be-included/news-story/ef7ef23892dcc19bc786cb2dc9c19524
https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/rebel-victorian-senators-lidia-thorpe-and-ralph-babet-censured-in-senate/news-story/3ee9290ebcfcd97ef9ced709e7a7f72d
https://www.couriermail.com.au/technology/online/fringe-politician-doubles-down-on-disgusting-racist-homophobic-and-ableist-slurs/news-story/141e707deda62719e401398a2066da49