Liberal MP calls for Bettina Arndt's Order of Australia award to be revoked

Controversial men's rights activist Bettina Arndt is facing criticism over comments this week.

Controverisal men's rights activist Bettina Arndt.

Controverisal men's rights activist Bettina Arndt. Source: Facebook

A Victorian State Liberal MP has called for Bettina Arndt's Order of Australia award to be revoked after comments she made on the .

Ms Arndt congratulated a Queensland detective, who has since been removed from the case, after he suggested that estranged husband Rowan Baxter could have been "driven too far" before burning his family in a car.
On Saturday, Liberal Member for Kew Tim Smith wrote to the Council for the Order of Australia to voice his dismay.

"Ms Arndt's comments ... are totally at odds with the values of the Australian people, the Crown and the Australian Government," he said.
Hannah Clarke and her three children, Aaliyah, 6, Laianah, 4, and Trey, 3.
Hannah Clarke and her three children, Aaliyah, six, Laianah, four, and Trey, three. Source: Facebook
Mr Smith claimed Ms Arndt's comments had "brought disrepute on the Order" and as a result, the award should be cancelled.

He said her views "seek to make excuses for extreme violence".

"I deeply regret involving the Order of Australia in controversy [as] our honour system has been designed over the decades to be above rancour, but in this instance, I do believe a line has been crossed."
His letter follows a tweet where he said Ms Ardnt's logic was "perverse".

"A young family has been murdered by their father and ex-partner, a crime that is completely indefensible. Please shut up, you are sounding like someone who has completely lost the plot," he wrote.
Others have also taken to social media to slam Ms Arndt's comments.
SBS News has contacted Ms Arndt for comment but has not received a reply.

She was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia in the 2020 Australia Day honours for her service to "the community as a social commentator and to gender equity through advocacy for men".

The controversial activist has previously warned of a "rape crisis scare campaign" on universities and accused women of making up claims of domestic violence to get back at men.

If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, family or domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit . In an emergency, call 000.


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Published 23 February 2020 5:59pm
Updated 23 February 2020 6:04pm
By Nick Baker

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