Archive
Info
|
|
One Nation racist warning
(January 14, 2002)
PAULINE HANSON's resignation as the leader of (Australian) One Nation could act as a
green light for racists to take over the party's top job, a Jewish group
has claimed.
Director of public affairs at the B'nai B'rith Anti-Defamation Commission,
a national Jewish anti-racism organisation, Benseon Apple, said the party
already had several individuals in leadership positions who were associated
with various racist organisations.
"Ms Hanson's resignation could act as a green light for some of Australia's
foremost racists to stand for leadership positions in the One Nation party,"
Mr Apple said in a statement today.
"It remains to be seen whether these individuals will seek to broaden their
positions of power in the party following Ms Hanson's departure."
Ms Hanson revealed she was quitting as One Nation president on Melbourne
radio this morning, citing relentless pressure from the media and her
political
foes.
She later announced her name would be taken out of the party's title.
The former Oxley MP said she was tired and needed a break from politics
in the lead-up to her committal hearing in April on fraud charges arising
from the registration of One Nation in Queensland.
She has pleaded not guilty to three charges of fraudulently registering
One Nation in April 1997 and for unlawfully claiming $500,000 in electoral
funding, which she has paid back with public donations.
Back to Archive