18th November 1999
For the man who has spent millions of the party's dollars in just over twelve months leaving the cupboard bare National Director David Ettridge's concern with dissenters or "white ants" appears to be slightly misplaced. White ants are those who dare challenge what is happening in the party - including to the party's funds.
The most recent to receive an expulsion threat is a member of the NSW State
Executive, John Karnau, whose sins, I am led to
believe, are that he was in dialogue
with "activist" Ian Petersen (right). Now Petersen just happens
to be the political adviser for One Nation's Queensland State MPs.
Petersen is highly regarded by One Nation members in Queensland
and around Australia.
Petersen was Deputy Leader and state candidate for the seat of Gympie before the June 1998 state elections. He was one of the first four candidates selected by Pauline Hanson and is a city councillor in Gympie.
Karnau represents branches in northern NSW. He is guilty of treachery in the eyes of Ettridge because he asked a few questions. The timing is interesting - seeing that Pauline Hanson has just left for a two month trip in the US. One wonders what she would feel about Ettridge's move to oust a member of the NSW state executive because he dares think for himself and ask questions.
John told me this morning that he received a phone call from Ettridge yesterday afternoon after getting a "please explain" fax. Ettridge was seeking his resignation because of his contact with Petersen!
Karnau refused to resign saying that he would have some issues to raise at the next State Executive meeting in December.
Interestingly, One Nation was the party which once championed freedom of speech and of the press. This press release by Pauline Hanson in June 1997, says in part:
It is becoming clear there is an element of intervention occurring through government authorities as well as the obvious manipulation and sometimes intimidation attempted by minority interest groups. Some Local Government Mayors and Councillors have done there level best to thwart my supporters from their right to hold meetings - some of which were simple branch formation meetings without my attendance. These formation meetings have as much right to occur as any that would be held by Liberal, Labor and others.
and an earlier press release claims that One Nation's number one policy is "consultation":
One Nation's policies will address the problems that face Australians on a day to day basis by talking to those Australians who are at the coal face of each issue.
We'll consult, we'll get it right, and if the Australian people give us a go, we'll make it work.
So whose policy has changed? Not mine!
MDP is a small printing company which has been responsible for all One Nation's printing in NSW since the Federal election. MDP is currently printing material for Oldfield's "Young Nation".
I will leave you with this question. Who will pay the $500,000 if we lose the appeal next week and the courts demand that it be repaid?
I am not suggesting that there has been any impropriety however it is important that those in official positions ask questions and seek answers before One Nation's financial state deteriorates further.
I am suggesting it is time to take our heads out of the sand and consider alternatives now - not when it is too late.
For the record here is an old list of Ettridge's "white ants". You will note that Pauline Hanson Support Movement founder Whiteside is listed as number one.