22nd November 1999
For those who missed it this article is worth reading. There are some real issues that should be investigated here and I hope that Senator Harris takes the opportunity to call for an investigation in the Senate when it resumes this week.
Hanson: Stylish second coming (full article here)
Fia Cumming of the Sun Herald investigates claims that One Nation was the brainchild of elements within the Liberal Party.
When Bruce Whiteside, founder of the Pauline Hanson Support Movement (PHSM), was seeking funding in December 1996 he spoke to a senior businessman with strong Liberal connections (John Elliot) who hinted that large sums would be arranged.
"The money will be forthcoming, but it will not be used to directly assist Hanson," Whiteside was told. "The money will be used to clear the blockage in the Senate." The businessman said the result would be "the decimation of the Australian Democrats", but made it clear he could not be associated with the plans.
Pressure on Whiteside to turn PHSM into a political party was strongest from WA and one person, John Samuel. Before the 193 Federal Election, Samuel bought the company name Australian Democrats WA Division, and tried to gain control of the party then led by Cheryl Kernot.