Australian State Media - PANIC
QAnon follower Tim Stewart's an old friend of Scott Morrison. His family reported him to the national security hotline
The family of a man who has been friends with Prime Minister Scott Morrison for decades and follows the far-right conspiracy theory QAnon have revealed they are so concerned about his beliefs they have notified the national security hotline several times.
Key points:
Tim Stewart has become embroiled in a political movement based on the bizarre conspiracy theory QAnon
His family have become so concerned they believe he is a potential national security risk
Tim Stewart and his wife Lynelle's friendship with the Morrisons goes back to the early 1990s
The Stewart family have broken their silence to Four Corners because they are worried about the immersion of Tim Stewart in QAnon beliefs.
QAnon's followers broadly believe that former US President Donald Trump has waged a secret war against corrupt and satanic elites, including parts of government (dubbed the "deep state") and A-list celebrities.
Tim Stewart and his wife Lynelle's friendship with Prime Minister Scott Morrison and his wife Jenny began in the early 90s.
Tim has been described on social media by Scott Morrison as an "amazing guy". Lynelle Stewart worked for her "forever friend" Jenny Morrison at the official Prime Ministerial residence in Sydney, Kirribilli House, as a household attendant until late last year.
During that time, the Stewart family say their concerns about Tim grew as he has become increasingly obsessed with the QAnon conspiracy theory.
Tim's sister Karen Stewart says his views are extreme.
"Tim believes that the world has really been taken over by satanic paedophiles, or Luciferian paedophiles," Karen says.
"I don't understand why the PM would want to be seen to be with someone who has such radical beliefs."
Scott Morrison has not responded on the record to questions about whether he and Tim Stewart are still friends.
When asked about Four Corners's upcoming story in a recent press conference, the Prime Minister said it was disappointing the program would seek to cast aspersions on him and his family.
"I find it deeply offensive that there would be any suggestion that I would have any involvement or support for such a dangerous organisation. I clearly do not," Mr Morrison said.
Karen Stewart says, "the experience of watching someone become radicalised is the most unusual thing," but she feels it was her "civic duty to make that phone call" to the national security hotline.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-06-14/qanon-follower-old-friend-scott-morrison-stewart-family-speaks/100125156