Commentary by Shondra Briton (seen
right with Pauline Hanson)
Saturday 6th March 1999
Commentary by Shondra Briton (seen
right with Pauline Hanson)
I arrived at the Exhibition Pavilion at Panthers around 9.30am on Saturday, 6th March. With copies of ‘Murder by Media’ in tow, I collected my ‘Exhibitor’ pass and made my way to the One Nation stand. Never having been to a Hunting and Outdoor Expo before, I was quite intrigued by the various displays. There was One Nation - Between the hunting jackets and the trophy deer heads. A hive of activity, there was merchandise hanging on one wall, a video about our flag playing, and literature about One Nation flying thick and fast. My role was to promote Young Nation, and I was inspired to see many young people take the information eagerly - Many awaited Pauline’s visit. I concocted a sales technique, pinning a small sign to myself that said “Ask me about ‘Murder by Media’ - The book the media love to hate.” It created a bit of interest with the passers by.
Pauline was running a little behind schedule, not arriving until 11.45am. She was met with a round of applause. Immediately the crowd came to a stand still. Cameras and microphones followed her every move. I was wedged between a camera man and a table. Pauline began having pictures taken with everyone and anyone. You could feel the atmosphere as Pauline shook hands with young and old alike. I’ve never seen such a crowd accept someone so readily. She began autographing posters and t-shirts and I managed to have my copy of ‘Murder by Media’ signed by the lady herself. She handled a TV interview well - Not a bead of perspiration could be seen.
After a 40 minute visit, Pauline departed for lunch at ‘La Notte’ Italian Restaurant. Joined by about 30 other supporters, we enjoyed a smorgasbord lunch. The owner of the restaurant was very obliging, and did his best trying to convince Pauline into buying his business. She had enough time to have pics taken with various supporters (and even the kitchen staff), before giving a brief thank you speech. Amazingly as she looked around the room she realised she had met everyone there - Except for a member from my branch, Dale Eder. She promptly remedied that. One wonders how the lady does it. She meets thousands of people - But still she can recognise faces and names. Obviously not just another politician.
The response had been so overwhelming at the Expo, that Pauline went back for a short time to keep her admirers happy.
Pauline Hanson speaks at Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre
Arriving at the venue a little after 7pm, I was greeted by a handful of protesters. They must have reached the bottom of the barrel in respect to insults. “You’ve done well for yourself haven’t you?” was the best they could come up with. A rhetorical question obviously. I took it as a compliment - Well I wasn’t the one sporting dreadlocks and a nose ring was I?
The meeting of about 100 people was opened at 7.30pm by Henry Zarth - President of One Nation’s Nepean Branch. He offered a warm welcome and the news that his branch is ‘alive and kicking.’
Rick Putra, Candidate for Mulgoa, told of the brochure that was being letter boxed in his area. “Insanity - Voting the same way over and over again and expecting a different result.” Rick described the sale of electricity industry as a ‘travesty of justice.’ He received support from the crowd with his comments.
Jean Eykamp, Candidate for Penrith, stood for Christian Democrats during the Federal Election. After speaking with Rick Putra, she realised she had more in common with One Nation. Jean is interested in local issues like hospitals and education. Promises to listen to the voice of the people.
Henry then introduced other Candidates from the floor:
Brian Burston, number two Candidate on the Upper House ticket for NSW, was taking David Oldfield’s place for the evenings proceedings, as David was involved in the filming of a TV commercial. Brian discussed Packer and Murdoch’s hold over Australian politics, and the infamous “Kill the Cow” command issued by Murdoch’s men. The NSW Election could be the make or break for One Nation. Two Upper House seats need to be secured for them to reach Party status. They currently have 85 seats filled. By Monday, they hope to have a One Nation Candidate standing in all 93 seats. Extensive block bookings of regional newspapers had been made, meaning One Nation will have a strong presence in the media in two weeks time. Brian highlighted some disturbing cases of blatant discrimination. The first being a meeting advertised by the Teachers Federation, inviting Political Parties to put their views forward... All Parties that is EXCEPT One Nation. (This was actually listed in the advertising.) The ABC are offering free radio air time to Political Parties. Support needs to be 5% for this to occur, the ABC argue that the polls in major newspapers see One Nation’s support as 2%. We have no hope when we are asking for a ‘fair go’ from the media.
Pauline Hanson introduced by Brian Burston at 8pm.
Pauline thanked the police for their support. She gave a brief description of her tour through regional NSW. Her trip had been successful, with only one lone protester at Dubbo.
She spoke of the achievements made in Queensland Parliament. The opening of the Shreddergate issue for investigation being a major one. You could witness the disappointment when Pauline spoke of her Queensland MP’s who had resigned and been dismissed. She felt infiltration had occurred by dubious outsiders. However, she is not prepared to have people in One Nation who are not dedicated and committed to the cause. She does not want their demise to reflect on the NSW Election.
Pauline does not believe in the free needle program, or methadone treatment. She knew of a letter that was sent from our jails to a person overseas, basically telling them how good we have it here. Our jails are superior to some of their City streets.
She spoke of her concerns for Rural Australia and the destruction of the pork and timber industries.
Ron Holton, who is the One Nation Candidate for Wyong, also belongs to the Aboriginal Land Council. They (Land Council) cry conflict of interest. Guess who is going to be pressured to resign from the Land Council because of his Political allegiances? All sounds very discriminatory to me. Pauline reports that she is “....Very glad to be back as unopposed, reelected president of One Nation.”
We stopped for a break at 8.30pm, in time to pen my question to Pauline: “What role do you hope Young Nation will play in the political arena?”
At 9pm, Brian Burston began by answering a question regarding Ross Fowler. On his HTV’s, Ross placed the Labor Party last - Which gave Kerry Chikarovski a fright. She informed him a One Nation Candidate was standing, and promptly had him shred his voting material and have it reprinted - With One Nation last.
Pauline referred to a flyer she had been given during the break, which had been placed on car windscreens. it invited people to protest against Pauline Hanson and her “Race based State Election.” There purpose was to “Defend Native Title and Migrants Rights.”
Questions followed on various topics...
Olympics: Pauline realises that the average Aussie will be paying for the Olympics, but will not be able to attend.
Gun Laws: “It is every persons right to defend their home.” Pauline also believes in sporting shooters and the ‘man on the land’ being allowed to possess a firearm.
“When are you going to stand for another seat in Parliament?” With a twinkle in her eye, Pauline admitted she would have to make it through the pre-selection process first. She is currently enjoying being the National President and State President (QLD) for One Nation. Strengthening and consolidating the Party is important over the next couple of years, then she will consider standing again.
Over to my question... Pauline thinks young people should have input into policy formulation and Candidate selection. Young Nation will give an insight into the political world, allowing young people to really know who and what they are voting for.
Then for some light hearted and rather obscure questions:
“Dear Pauline,
I idolise you. I believe in everything you are going for. Will you marry
me?”
“I really like your dress.. Where did you purchase it?”
“Do you like homosexuals?”
Pauline encouraged the crowd to purchase a copy of ‘Murder By Media’ on their way out. She described it as a ‘very informative’ book.
Meeting closed at 9.40pm