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Human rights abuse inspired Ann Massey to write Salvation Jane 6/15/2013 2:27:18 PM
In answer to the questions about how I came to write a book about Australian politics I have to confess that my inspiration was a human rights abuse by a political party determined to stay in power by any means. I am referring to the jailing of Pauline Hanson in the nineties for electoral fraud. Love her or loathe her there is no getting away from the fact that the plot to remove her from office was worthy of Francis Underwood of 'House of Cards' at his most Machiavellian.
To put those unfamiliar with Australian politics in the nineties in the picture—a politically naive fish and chip shop operator cum politician from Queensland was threatening the Liberal Party's chances at the forthcoming Federal Election. Her party, 'One Nation' was perceived as a threat by the major parties. And come hell or high water the powers-that- be were out to get her. And they did. Pauline Hanson was convicted of electoral fraud and sentenced to nine years in jail.
After serving three months she was released, the sentence quashed and her name cleared. And yet instead of being viewed as a victim of a terrible injustice, Pauline Hanson who conducted herself with dignity and heroism throughout her ordeal is perceived by many as a figure of fun.
It has always amazed me that there wasn't a backlash against those who conspired to remove Ms Hanson from the political stage. I put it down to two main factors
1. The prevailing belief that politics is the province of the well-educated. The inference was clear—if you don't have a degree you don't have a right to voice an opinion I translated MPs and journalists' contempt for Ms Hanson as an indication that ordinary people do not rate.
2.Ms Hanson’s party, 'One Nation' was viewed as morally wrong, and a threat to Australia’s multicultural policies
I wrote 'Salvation Jane' to make the point that publishing smears and using the legal system to injure a candidate’s reputation to cause him or her to lose office is undemocratic. In essence it doesn’t matter if the candidate or party is objectionable, there is no excuse for skulduggery.
The release date for 'Salvation Jane' is 1st July. For more information visit my site: http://www.AnnMassey.com
