https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation ... kitiq6qVD8One Nation NSW leader Mark Latham has accused Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce and other corporate sponsors of Rugby Australia of forcing Israel Folau’s sacking in comments under parliamentary privilege this morning.
Mr Latham says that Qantas’s views on Mr Folau’s comments on homosexuals going to hell on a social media post resulted in Rugby Australia fearing lost sponsorship revenue and forcing Mr Folau’s departure.
He read from a witness statement by Rugby Australia boss Raelene Castle from the Folau hearing which mentioned her concern at losing Qantas’s sponsorship because of Mr Folau’s comments.
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Mr Latham added: “The head of Rugby Australia is putting a commercial value on the religious freedom of Israel Folau.
“That just shows the fix was in. Qantas knew Folau was going to get punted.
“Ms Castle was acting as the slave of [Alan] Joyce within her organisation
“She knew what he wanted without even a direct conversation with him.”
Mr Latham said: “75 years ago today young men from across the free world stormed the beaches of Normandy … to fight for the freedom of all mankind”.
“How in 2019 are so many Australians worried about the loss of religious freedom?” Mr Latham said.
“How in 2019 do we look at Israel Folau and wonder how a football player and resident of NSW has lost his job?
“We’re fighting dictatorial corporations who purchase … control of sporting codes.
“These big corporate chiefs preach diversity . . but they’re trying to impose uniformity.”
Mr Latham quoted Ms Castle’s written evidence which said days before Folau’s post Rugby Australia had commenced commercial negotiations with Qantas on further sponsorship.”
Mr Latham rose later and said “There’s no doubt Israel Folau was sacked by Qantas.”
Qantas is an embarrassment under that flouncing little queen Alan Joyce.
Just heard Folau is taking Rugby Australia to court.