"He Deserves A Second Chance" Barnaby Says As One Nation Hires Snowtown Killer John Bunting

ERROL PARKER | Editor-at-large | Contact

Member for New England Barnaby Joyce is fending off puritan backlash this morning after One Nation faces criticism for hiring Snowtown killer John Bunting in a policy role.

It's understood by The Advocate that Bunting will be working remotely from prison due to the fact that he is currently serving multiple life sentences in a South Australian jail.

When approached for comment this morning regarding Mr Bunting's new job with One Nation, Barnaby said that people change.

"He deserves a second chance," Joyce said in a short telephone call with our reporter this morning.

"Yes, he will be working from prison. Yes, was sentenced to 11 consecutive terms of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Yes, he was convicted of 11 counts of murder. Yes, JB is classified as Australia's worst serial killer and will remain in prison for the rest of his life,"

"However,"

"His policy insights cannot be ignored and we feel he is able to make a meaningful contribution to One Nation and regular Australians."

Joyce declined to detail what policy Bunting will be consulting on.

The hiring of such a prolific murderer has attracted strong criticism from both the Albanese government and the federal opposition, both of which have condemned One Nation.

"Its unconscionable," said Treasurer Jim Chalmers.

"He should be locked in the deepest hole in South Australia and forgotten about."

Opposition leader Angus Taylor agreed.

More to come.