In 1994, Pauline Hanson made a quantum career leap from behind the counter of her one-woman fish & chip shop to Australian political life. Her campaign against a library being built because it was "a waste of ratepayers money" earnt her a position on the local council in Ipswhich.

Along the way Hanson then won the Australian parliamentary federal seat of Oxley in the 1996 election standing as an independent. Soon she began to turn political life in Australia on its ear.

In her maiden speech to the Australian parliament Hanson openly attacked Asians and Aboriginals, stating: "They have their own culture and religion, form ghettos and do not assimilate". She called for the abandonment of Aboriginal organisations and a halt to Asian immigration, while attacking immigrant groups for upholding their language and culture. She claimed Australia was being "swamped by Asians".

In 1997 she would become the founder and leader of the One Nation political party. Quicker than you could say "asylum seeker!" she became the lightening rod for a disillusioned voting public fed up with being ignored by conservative politicians.

Fast forward to late 2003. Hanson has just emerged from a Queensland jail after three months, winning an appeal against a conviction on electoral fraud charges along with co-founder David Etteridge.

Having renounced political life for good, Hanson now appears to be leaving a valuable albeit double edged legacy - depending on your political viewpoint of course.

Ms Hanson told The Australian she got "so angry I just feel like shaking people" when they pressed her to run again. "People come up and say, 'Pauline, please stand again'. I look at them and I think: 'Why me? Why don't you do it? Why can't you stand up and be counted? You don't need Pauline Hanson. Anyone can do it'.

And indeed they can.

What worries us is the prospect of another Pauline Hanson who may yet heed the call to get over the "she'll be right, mate" Australian way of life.

What worries us more is the prospect that although she had many detractors, none of the more clear headed or compassionate ones will act and rise to the challenge of keeping Australia on an even social and political keel.

Now if only we could convince the Australian Prime Minister to use the 'R' word. You don't have to renounce your life in politics Mr Howard. Retirement would suit you.

Mr Costello thinks so too.

News link - The Australian January 16, 2004

Please Explain?!! - THE OFFICIAL UNOFFICIAL PAULINE HANSON WEB SITE

Google on Pauline Hanson