21st August 1999
I have never entertained conspiracy theories because one's perceived enemies never have the brains or the intelligence to be as devious as they are believed to be. I have never tried to cover up mistakes because one will always get caught out in the end. It's easier to face the music sooner than later. I have always believed in telling it the way it is - that is the best way of getting any message across.
One Nation lies in tatters despite the bluster and ignorant bravado that tells us otherwise. Those who tried to get things back on an even keel and were abused and reviled for their trouble have now been vindicated. The issues raised in the maiden speech lie largely forgotten, beached like skeletons on a lonely beach. It is a sad time for genuine, conservative politics - the events of the last few days have put back the push forward decades if not forever. Many of us will die never seeing a radical change in our political system.
Ordinary Australians and many of them were prepared to vote for One Nation, simply do not trust the ON inner sanctum and in fact now hold them in contempt. They have seen too much subterfuge, negligence and incompetency - Heather Hill not sure of where she lived during the state election and then neglecting to read the AEC handbook - simple, straightforward things that people wishing to join the political system should be versed in. The constant refusal of ON to be accountable to its members. The dubious handling and administration of the electoral funding monies. The disgraceful and embarassing performance of most of the Qld MPs. The destruction of the party in Victoria by its leader. How could the man and woman in the street be expected to trust government in the hands of such people?
If I was briefed to advise on the present situation, I would rate it 'Mission Impossible.' The solution is frustratingly simple and I presented it to Pauline and Heather Hill after the federal election and then to Pauline regularly but she is simply impossible to deal with. It is futile when one side refuses to concede one scintilla. There is no magic recipe for such a situation - too much damage has been done. There is a solution but it requires the two Ms - money and manpower. The Senate remains the seat of real power until the game changes and on this basis all efforts should be concentrated in that direction.
A working title for a Senate grouping should be 'Concerned Citizens for Better Government.' A bit wordy but good enough to start with. Queensland should be the target state for obvious reasons but the first substantial hurdle is that of finding sensible, competent candidates who haven't got their heads in the clouds. The basis single message policies enunciated in 1996 should be fanned into flames again but only at certain, judicious times. The lost opportunities in recent times have almost brought me to fits of hysterical rage!
The road ahead is littered with landmines and it is very difficult to be optimistic in such times. I am prepared to talk with people who understand what has happened but I refuse to entertain fools and crackpots - my time is too valuable. The first test for past and present Hansonites will come in November with the Constitutional Referendum. That will be a wonderful opportunity for people to get out there - WITH NO ONE NATION ID and vote NO TO THE POLITICIANS' PREAMBLE AND REPUBLIC. It will be an exercise in properly organising the running of booths on polling day and that strategy should be started NOW! A lot of people need the training.
As for me, I am seriously considering returning to PNG since the change of government there. Having no income is no fun, believe me. I have had my time in the political sun and got badly burnt but as they say, them's the breaks!
Discuss this issue with John on the Pasquarelli Forum