But
you won't hear about that in the mainstream media. (Who are now kept
at bay by the prominent sign on the farm gate...)
Commentary by Scott Balson, Global Web Builders
Another perfect spring day in Queensland and one to be spent updating Pauline Hanson on the One Nation Internet site.
For the record Pauline is one of very few MPs who is "Internet aware". She has her own very private email address, participates in the One Nation discussion forum and "surfs the web" with professional ease.
But
you won't hear about that in the mainstream media. (Who are now kept
at bay by the prominent sign on the farm gate...)
I arrived at Pauline's farm shortly after 11am, having to circumnavigate her small herd of cattle on my way up to the farmhouse.
David Anning, who had stood for a Queensland Senate, seat was with Pauline when I arrived.
Pauline was looking very relaxed after a couple of weeks break and was looking forward to getting back into the reigns as One Nation president.
After
bringing Pauline up to date on the net we had lunch...
David
manufactured a strange liquid concoction for the drink which accompanied
our salad and lasagna meal. The drink was liquefied fruit and vegetables...
it took me a time to get used to the taste but I accepted the assurances
from both he and Pauline that it was a very healthy brew.
Pauline was happy to be interviewed after the lunch, her first informal interview since losing the seat of Blair to Liberal candidate, Cameron Thompson, after gaining more than twice as many primary votes than the man - who depended on the preferences of the Laboral factions to get in.
SB: Pauline, how does it feel to no longer be an MP?
PH:
I have been relieved of my Parliamentary responsibilities which gives
me more time to concentrate on a more direct input into One Nation.
SB: What are your immediate goals in relation to One Nation?
PH: Firstly to establish a One Nation office in Ipswich and secondly to help the party's campaigns for the seat of Newcastle (Federal) and New South Wales state election in March 1999.
SB: What about public speaking engagements?
PH: I will continue to talk at public meeting when invited.
SB:
The mainstream media have come out with a wide range of conspiracy theories
in relation to an agreement for you to replace Heather Hill - now that she
is a Senator. What are your views on Heather's success?
PH: I think it is wonderful. Heather Hill will be a great asset as a One Nation Senator - she has my full support.
SB: If you had one word of advice for Heather Hill what would it be?
PH: Believe in what you say and do. If you always do that you will be able to stand strong against anything.
SB: Will you stand for the seat of Blair again?
PH: At this point I would welcome taking up the challenge again. If I have the support of One Nation and the support of the Queensland people who put me into politics I would willingly take up the challenge.
SB: What did you feel when you realised that you had lost the seat of Blair?
PH: I wasn't concerned personally. I was more worried about my staff, Cheyenne, Heidi and Brett. It was my choice to stand for the seat of Blair - I am happy with the decision that I made. One door opens, you know, when another shuts.
If I hadn't lost the council election by a few votes in 1995 I would never have stood in the 1996 Federal Elections - and One Nation would never have started. I always look for the rosier side of the apple.
Then Pauline added with a laugh, "Please explain!"
SB:
What is your prediction for Australia by the year 2000?
PH: There will be rising unemployment. There will be rising interest rates and falling property values. There will be more ownership of Australian assets by foreign multinationals.
SB: What about the GST - do you think it will happen?
PH: I hope not. I believe that the Labor Party will cave in and do a deal with the Coalition on the GST.
SB: What do you think of Cheryl Kernot being appointed as Labor's spokeswoman for regional issues?
PH: When was the last time she left the Gold Coast to see what was happening in regional Australia? She will be just like all the rest.
SB: If you could give the media a word of advice what would it be?
PH: As I've always said to them, never be my judge and jury. Just report the facts and let the people judge me.
SB: What is happening about the One Nation head office?
PH: David Ettridge will be the National Director and will control the New South Wales, Victorian, Tasmanian, ACT and Northern Territory branches from Manly. The West Australian, South Australian and Queensland branches will be autonomous. The Queensland head office for One Nation will be established in Ipswich.
SB: When will the party's AGM be held?
PH: Before the end of the year, probably in New South Wales, but details have still got to be finalised.