Pauline Hanson was elected in 1994 for a one-term tenure as the member for the western Brisbane seat of Oxley, and launched her right-wing One Nation party in April 1997.

Whether or not you agree with the woman's views, they are the same views which got her elected by the people of Oxley. So, her views could be said to represent those of the people in that electorate. In any case, the independent held little to no real influence in a Coalition-dominated lower house.

The controversy began with Hanson's maiden speech, of which there are several key points:

• I won the seat of Oxley largely on an issue that has resulted in me being called a racist. That issue related to my comment that Aboriginals received more benefits than non-Aboriginals.
• Present governments are encouraging separatism in Australia by providing opportunities, land, moneys and facilities available only to Aboriginals.
• The Family Law Act... should be repealed. It has brought death, misery and heartache to countless thousands of Australians. Children are treated like pawns in some crazy game of chess.
• I and most Australians want our immigration policy radically reviewed and that of multiculturalism abolished. I believe we are in danger of being swamped by Asians. Between 1984 and 1995, 40% of all migrants coming into this country were of Asian origin. They have their own culture and religion, form ghettos and do not assimilate.
• Australia must review its membership and funding of the UN, as it is a little like ATSIC on a grander scale, with huge tax-free American dollar salaries, duty-free luxury cars and diplomatic status.

In summary, Pauline Hanson is about 'uniting' the country by abolishing multiculturalism, native title and immigration. It is hard to fathom Hanson's comprehension of the complex issues involved, as she did not write her maiden speech.

Her party has been known to advocate gun rights and the reintroduction of the death penalty, which has not been practised in Australia since 1967. As such, she has become a significant force in conservative politics, enjoying moderate success in recent State elections in Western Australia and Queensland. Hanson lost her own seat in the 1998 election, and a subsequent Senate bid in 2001 was also unsuccessful.