There is a particular absurdity in accusing a man of being the very thing he has spent his life fighting against.

On Thursday morning, a campaign poster of Benson Saulo — Australia's first Indigenous Consul-General and now a Liberal candidate for the federal seat of Higgins was defaced with a swastika.

Let us be crystal clear: this was not a random act of vandalism. It was a calculated political attack, designed to shame and silence a proud Aboriginal man for his decision to stand with a mainstream conservative political party.

To draw a swastika on the image of Benson Saulo is more than just graffiti. It is a deeply offensive act of racial and ideological intimidation. The perpetrator of this attack is not critiquing policy — they are weaponising hate.

What makes it all the more shameful is the grotesque absurdity of the claim. Benson Saulo, a man who has dedicated his life to reconciliation, diplomacy, and uplifting marginalised voices, accused of being a Nazi? It is not just wrong — it is disgraceful.

I first met Benson in 2011 when he was appointed Australia's Youth Representative to the United Nations. Even then, as a young leader in his early twenties, he demonstrated a level of clarity, compassion, and commitment to justice that set him apart.

Over the years I've followed his career with admiration — watching him take on roles in diplomacy, corporate leadership, and advocacy with a sense of purpose and grace that few can match.

A proud Wemba Wemba, Jardwadjali, and Gunditjmara man, he went on to become the first Indigenous Australian appointed as a Consul-General, representing our country in Houston, Texas, with professionalism and heart.

He has served as a delegate to the United Nations, led youth empowerment initiatives, worked in the corporate finance sector, and fought for inclusion in both public and private life.

This is a man who has walked into the highest echelons of power not for personal gain, but to make space for others. His record of service is underpinned by integrity, intellect, and an unwavering belief in the power of dialogue to drive change.

That someone could look at Benson Saulo's career — his life's work — and attempt to paint him as a fascist because of his political affiliation is not just absurd, it is an act of political cowardice.

This incident reveals a dangerous undercurrent in our political discourse: that to be Aboriginal and politically conservative is somehow illegitimate. That unless you align with certain ideologies, your identity can be questioned, attacked, or erased. This kind of ideological gatekeeping has no place in a democracy.

The right to stand for public office, regardless of your background or party affiliation, must be protected. It is one of the most fundamental principles of our democratic system.

To attack Benson with a Nazi slur because he is running for the Liberal Party not only belittles his personal journey — it undermines the very premise of representative democracy.

I know Benson to be a thoughtful, committed, and dedicated community leader. His decision to run for public office should be celebrated — not met with hate.

All Australians should reject hate-fuelled attacks dressed up as political expression. There is a vast difference between disagreement and defamation.

To those who daubed a swastika across Benson's face, hear this: you reveal more about your own ignorance and malice than you ever could about the man you seek to vilify.

Benson Saulo has done more for his country than many of us will in a lifetime — and he deserves our respect.

Reece Harley

Managing Director, National Indigenous Times