Courier Mail editorial, Friday, April 17th 1998
There is a real possibility that the next state election could leave Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party controlling Parliament and the government as a result of holding the balance of power between the Coalition and the Labor Party. Private polling by the major parties is believed to show One Nation has a chance of winning up to three of the 89 seats in the Queensland Parliament. Along with Independent Liz Cunningham, One Nation might then be able to decide which party should govern the state and what legislation could be passed.
One Nation’s electoral prospects in the bush helped to persuade John Howard to reject a compromise with Tasmania’s Independent Senator Brian Harradine over the implementation of his 10-point Wik plan. Several points of agreement had been reached, with Senator Harradine prepared to give way on the registration test and the six-year sunset clause. In reality, apart from the right to negotiate, the issues were of marginal significance. But the Prime Minister was obliged to the Queensland Nationals, partly because of their support in the gun debate, opted to keep the 10-point plan alive as a prospective double-dissolution trigger.
The National Party could not afford to be seen to be giving any ground on native title. It is desperate to maintain its credibility with its country base. The stridency of Premier Rob Borbidge on native title issues and the waterfront dispute can be easily understood if it is appreciated that he is concerned to protect his party’s vote against inroads from One Nation. For the moment at least, he is not trying to engage in a rational debate to win uncommitted votes in Brisbane or along the east coast.
The Premier’s expressed preference for a July election probably reflects the relatively high level of support for One Nation which could effect National Party electorates such as Barambah, Gympie and Wide Bay. The party believes it needs time to rebuild its electoral base.
But it will not do so by pandering to the simplistic racism, nationalism and isolationism of Ms Hanson’s party. It has to resist, and answer, the fears being whipped up by One Nation about Asia and other international forces, not adopt a similar tactic by heightening uncertainties over native title.
Both the Premier and the Opposition leader have to tell the electorate that there is no panaceas. Australia is part of the global economy and is extremely well placed to benefit from globalisation. Jobs will not be protected by retreating behind artificial trade barriers or high tariffs, nor by implementing zero immigration. The solution suggested by One Nation would do immense damage to Australia’s economy and to the social well-being of its people.
Australia’s future depends on managing change, not trying to roll it back. The party which will deserve to be elected at the next election is the party which shows itself willing to recognise the problems of the real world and best able to provide the leadership needed to manage the changes which will be required of us. That will not be (sic) easy task. It will be made far more difficult if the operations of the Government are hamstrung by the backwoods approach of One Nation MPs.