Ipswich protest spoils Hanson's party

By Bill Mason

IPSWICH -- Some 300 protesters, chanting "Hi, ho, hi, ho, Pauline Hanson's got to go" and waving anti-racist placards and banners, on April 12 picketed a dinner launching independent federal MP Pauline Hanson's new "One Nation Party" at the Ipswich Civic Centre.

Guests, who had paid $40 each for dinner and the privilege of hearing Hanson call for an end to multiculturalism and the "Aboriginal industry", a virtual halt to immigration, repeal of the Native Title Act, abolition of ATSIC and the reversal of the Wik decision, had to be escorted by police to the hall entrance through a gauntlet of chanting demonstrators.

Hanson herself had to jump from her chauffered limousine and make a dash for another entrance to avoid the protest.

She claimed that her new party would soon be able to "put candidates in every seat".

Rhonda Nolan, an Ipswich resident for 25 years, said she had come out to protest against the divisions Hanson had created in her community, and the shame the MP had brought upon the residents of Ipswich.

"What she's done is tear a tolerant society apart", Nolan said.

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