Far right gathers in the deep north
By Bernard Wunsch
BRISBANE — Pauline Hanson will be making her first political speech in the Queensland capital at 11am on October 4, at the Festival Hall under the banner of "Prosper Australia!". She will be joined by a who's who of the reactionary right, including Bruce Ruxton, president of the Victorian RSL, and former National Party Senator Flo Bjelke-Petersen.
This meeting of high profile far-right advocates, each well known for their racist and nationalist statements, has been organised by the previously unheard of Heritage and History of Australia Coordinating Committee. It will include a "guard of honour" by the Australian Light Horse.
A protest is being organised outside the meeting by the Brisbane Anti-Racist Campaign (ARC) for 10am.
ARC member and Democratic Socialist Party activist Sam Wainwright explained the meeting's significance: "This conglomeration of some of the best-known arch-reactionaries is an attempt to reassert racism and nationalism on the Queensland political scene.
"We can expect the National and One Nation parties to be competing for the far-right vote at the ballot box. Nevertheless, this indicates just how much overlap there is between the policies and supporters of One Nation and the Coalition."
Wainwright added, "There has been discussion within the ARC about the nature of this protest. The perspective of the DSP is that it is necessary to organise the largest and most vibrant protest possible that includes the migrant community, the Aboriginal community and other anti-racists."
"The police presence at this protest will be high so there is a need to ensure that the rally is well organised to keep the focus on fighting racism", Wainwright continued.
"If the rally degenerates into shouting personal insults at those entering the meeting or is simply chanted slogans, then an important chance to take up the politics of why we are protesting will be lost."
The rally against racism will assemble at 10am, October 4, in Queens Park, on the corner of George and Elizabeth streets.