Queensland
state Parliamentary leader Bill Feldman was the main speaker for the day:
Why should we have been surprised? The television stations broadcast a neatly cut extract out of both Pauline Hanson's and David Oldfield's speech. A cut which a surgeon would nave been proud of.
Obviously taken right out of context as you can see here.
David started by saying that he wasn't happy for the media to be there the previous day.
He went on to say that if anyone in the Liberal party had said what Pauline or he had said it would not have got a mention. He quoted the example of a high ranking Liberal party executive who was direct mail selling copies of "Mein Kampf" from his home - yet the media showed no interest.
Queensland
state Parliamentary leader Bill Feldman was the main speaker for the day:
"We will not move away from our core policies.
"Peter Beattie came up to me last week and said "It is a credit to you. I did not expect to see you here now."
"They expected us to fade away after what the media tried to do to us.
"I was pleased to see that Pauline got 100% support in the newspapers.
"It was Pauline's maiden speech which changed the political landscape in this country.
Bill
then went over the four private bills that One Nation was responsible for
introducing into state parliament.
He talked about the Heiner Inquiry - how the original One Nation thrust on the first night in Parliament put the fear of god in Peter Beattie who was forced to table cabinet documents which had been withheld for nine years. Beattie was scared that his minority government would not get a vote of confidence from key independent Peter Wellington if he did not releases them.
He confirmed that the Queensland state parliamentarians had total autonomy from the national office. They were not, in any way, dictated to.
He talked about the media adviser he sacked. After her sacking he said that five MPs had come up to him and said that they knew what she was up to - but they weren't willing to come forward until after she had gone.
He
spoke of Charles Rappolt's resignation.
"He was absolutely victimised and vilified by the media. The media destroyed his family. They have been trying to do the same with every one of the One Nation MLA's.
"I don't know how Pauline Hanson put up with that.
"Look at the case of Amanda Vanstone who received support from every single lobby group and the media, churches and feminists when a paper referred to her size. When Pauline was confronted with that disgusting Pauline Pantsdown song they all kept quiet and never came to her support - even the church groups. It is a sad enditement to them.
"Heather Hill and Ian Petersen withstood the media with Pauline at the last state election.
"There is only one thing that can drive us under and that is disunity from within. We must overcome this - if it exists. We must show everybody that we are One Nation.
After Bill Feldman had finished David Oldfield said that the media had returned.
They wanted to take some fresh footage
for
the news that night.
It was moved that "After the manner in which the media had handled last night's
coverage the delegates did not
want
them back." this was amended to "We are too busy" for reasons of diplomacy.
Tom King (left and right) got up at this stage and told the delegates that he was standing down as State Chairman for health reasons.
Tom King was applauded for his great skills in chairing the meeting and it was widely discussed later how badly he would be missed. Bronwyn Boag (left below) formerly thanked Tom.
Pauline
said that she had asked Tom to stay on but understood that the health reasons
were very serious.
The delegates continued with the agenda items and after lunch the draw was made for two beautifully crafted clay bulls.
The winners were Maurice Horsburgh and Bronwyn Boag.
Peter Prenzler and Dorothy Pratt gave short speeches after the draw.
It was decided at this stage to form a special sub-committee of seven to
handle all agenda items relating to the
constitution.
The constitutional subcommittee is made up of:
Len Harris (Tablelands), Neil Pitt (Springwood), Alistair Lang (Hervey Bay), Heather Hill (Ipswich), Frank Francis (Toowoomba), Bruce Camfield (Bribie Island)
Below are some other images taken at the conference:
The conference was wound up following the election of the state office bearers (details follow shortly).
In summary the meeting was a victory for common sense. No-one walked out.
There were no "rebels", no "revolt" just a lot
of
good opinions and a bright future for the party. Everybody had their opportunity
to contribute - and most did.
After the conference was wound up I caught Pauline with a big dummy allegedly the one spat by Cheryl Kernot on the eve of the last federal election.
It was time to leave.... just enough time for a few last minute exchanges.
The images below were taken on the road home:
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| Pauline Hanson and Mr X celebrating engagement? (NO- This is staged!) | Scott Balson enjoying wine | Pauline's sister Carol pointing Bronwyn Boag | Ken Hill getting a head massage from Heather | David Oldfield and Pauline Hanson |
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| In the pub near Neerkol | David Oldfield makes a playful point with Pauline. | Santo Ferraro looking tired | Group session as day becomes night | Heather and Ken Hill thankful its all over |
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| Dinner on the road | More of the same | Views in the bus | Heather gets shy | 3.30am Tuesday morning - final stretch by taxi. |