‘Don’t criticise us’: Australian Monarchist League defends welcoming Hanson and Deves as speakers

Group tells members it's important to bring on side' all opposed to republic

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A pro-monarchy group has told its supporters don't criticise us" after backlash over the appearance of One Nation's Pauline Hanson and former Liberal candidate Katherine Deves at its annual conference, as conservative forces cross-pollinate ahead of a potential republic referendum.

The Australian Monarchist League, with new campaign chairman, Eric Abetz, will hold its conference on 5 November in Sydney. In recent days, the speakers list was announced, including on it the former Liberal candidate and Labor party president, Warren Mundine, Hanson and Deves.