Pauline Hanson has broken down in tears at a community event as she opened up about her time behind bars and suffering from domestic violence.
The One Nation leader on Thursday told the Perth crowd she blames former PM Tony Abbott and ex-Queensland Premier Peter Beattie for her 11-week stint in jail for electoral fraud in 2003.
‘It was a political witch hunt, because prior to my trial Peter Beattie changed the laws in Queensland from a six-month jail term or a fine to seven years retrospective. That’s why the judge could (sentence) me to three years on each charge,’ Hanson told the Swan Chamber of Commerce function.
‘That was structurally set up by Tony Abbott, who set up a slush fund to take me through the process of that legal challenge. And he got ten prominent Australians to put in $10,000 each.’
Although the convictions were eventually overturned, the senator revealed it was an extremely difficult experience for her family.
‘It was a very hard time for my children,’ Hanson said.
‘The kids didn’t have their fathers at that time. I was the only one that they had and so I was their whole life.
‘And through politics, they’ve had to wear so much. But you know what they said to me the other day? They said mum, it hasn’t been easy, but you’ve taught us resilience to be independent, to stand on our own two feet, and for that we thank you.’
Pauline Hanson has broken down in tears at a community event as she opened up about her time behind bars and suffering from domestic violence
Hanson also opened up about being the victim of domestic violence during her second marriage in the 1980s.
‘I won’t go into detail, but I had domestic violence,’ Hanson explained.
‘We split up in 1987 and from that time I’ve actually have been a single woman, I’ve had a couple of relationships, but I’ve never married again, it’s not something for me.’
She went on to say that her career in politics is much more than a job – and that she feels duty-bound to continue leading the party at 72 years old as it surges past Labor and the Coalition in the polls.
‘I believe that a lot of people in this country now are pinning their hopes on One Nation to make that change and difference for you,’ Hanson said.
‘I understand the responsibility that puts on my shoulders and my team to make sure that we can make your lives better, but each and every one of you have to start doing it for yourselves.
‘Am I racist? No, I’m not a racist. Do I care if people want to call me that? No.
‘I am Australian, and I’m so proud of my country . . . I don’t have to open my heart, mind to anyone who doesn’t want to share those values with me. As far as I’m concerned, you can go back to where you came from.’
Hanson (pictured) said she feels duty-bound to continue leading the party at 72-years-old as it surges past Labor and the Coalition in the polls