Hanson faces new charges

The former leader of a far-right Australian political party accused government officials yesterday of trying to hound her out of politics as she faced fresh allegations of fraud.

Pauline Hanson, who used to lead the One Nation party, appeared in Brisbane magistrates' court charged with illegally withdrawing 20,000 Australian dollars (about £7,000) from a fund set up by her supporters. She was not required to enter a plea.

The fund was established to help Ms Hanson pay legal fees to fight charges related to the alleged illegal registration of her party in 1997, but Queensland police believe that Ms Hanson withdrew money to pay her own debts.

Ms Hanson has been ordered to stand trial over the fraudulent registration of One Nation and charges that she dishonestly obtained almost A$500,000 in taxpayer-funded electoral expenses. She faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison if convicted.

Yesterday, the former fish-and-chip shop owner, who is 48, said the latest charge was aimed at discrediting her. "I haven't done anything wrong by the Australian people and I will fight to clear my name," Ms Hanson said outside the court. "I believe it is all aimed at discrediting me ... so that I will never get up to have another go and run for a seat in parliament to bring accountability to our government."

The case was adjourned until 11 July.

Ms Hanson rose to prominence in 1996 after winning a seat in the federal parliament as an independent candidate with an anti-immigration stance. In 1998 One Nationwon almost 9 per cent of the national vote. But in the laatest federal election, the party did not win a single seat in parliament and Ms Hanson lost her bid for a Senate seat.