by Heather Hill, 21st May 1998:
I am greatly honoured to take on the responsibility for leadership of Pauline Hanson’s One Nation Queensland.
Since being elected just over 2 years ago, Pauline has worked tirelessly to address the many injustices successive governments have forced upon ordinary Australians.
It was Pauline who stood up and made Australians understand that they were not alone in their views on what was being done to our once great nation.
It was Pauline who gave Australians a voice once again and the freedom of speech to use that voice for the betterment of us all.
And it was Pauline who through her courage and her commitment drew me to the cause she so bravely began.
In this last year, Pauline has built a dynamic team to face the continuing threat of Labor and the Coalition.
These are people who understand the issues faced by Queenslanders.
People who care enough to put themselves on the line in the face of terrible adversity.
These are people not unlike Pauline herself in so much as their display of commitment to the job their country needs them to do.
They have been influenced and encouraged by Pauline, something evident to us all.
Indeed, it is fair to say that without Pauline’s personal support and encouragement I would probably not have entered politics at this stage in my life.
To have been selected as the candidate for Ipswich was an honour, a privilege and a tremendous responsibility.
To now be given this opportunity to lead so many fine One Nation candidates, in this, the first of the fights to reclaim what governments have taken from us, is a test I face with confidence because of the team of patriotic Queenslanders that surround me.
With Ian Petersen and Pauline by my side we will make up the leadership team for this most important of state elections.
To add to the team we will soon be announcing candidates with specific responsibilities.
They will further our cause by articulating sensible and meaningful policies that will address the real core issues of concern.
It will continue to become clearer and clearer that it is in fact Pauline Hanson’s One Nation that has the answers and the courage of conviction to implement those answers.
As the manager of the Ipswich Regional Family Resource Centre for six years I was disgusted at the manner in which politicians on both sides whilst making noises about the family and its value, implemented policies that contributed to the destruction of the family unit.
The family unit must be given serious priority in funding allocation.
It is the family that is the basis of a well grounded, physically and mentally healthy society.
One Nation believes the family is the foundation of our society.
One Nation. whether achieving balance of power or an absolute majority will bring honesty, accountability and ethics back to Parliament and provide the leadership and direction that will ensure issues such as the family are given the standing and priority they deserve.
One Nation believes politicians are the servants of the people, not their masters.
One Nation will demonstrate this belief through the development of our own code of conduct, and then by example, will push other parties to toe the line.
One Nation will attack parliamentary perks.
All expenses will be open and accountable and administered through public servants not ministerial staff.
The obscene Politician’s superannuation will be overhauled to create a more publicly acceptable system.
Whilst having been responsible for creating job insecurity in our society politicians have protected themselves from any impact through obscene perks and payments.
The Coalition and Labor are on notice.
The Party is over!
One Nation believes everybody should be responsible for their actions - politicians included.
Ian Petersen and I will be leading Pauline Hanson’s One Nation in this campaign.
We are leading a competent team of diverse individuals whose love of Queensland, our country and its people can assure our political opponents that we are prepared to fight, and fight hard.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today as my first responsibility as the state Leader of Pauline Hanson’s One Nation, I am proud to present to you our policy on Families, Youth and Community Care.
This initiative focuses funding on families as the foundation of our society.
We will provide an extra Au$51.2 million to the department of Families, Youth and Community Care.
Major initiatives include:
These programmes are fully costed and funds will be sourced by re-allocating inappropriate budget announcements.
Detailed copies of the complete policy are available here today.
Thank you.