QLD: Hanson not to be called in One Nation court case

AAP General News (Australia)
04-07-1999
QLD: Hanson not to be called in One Nation court case

BRISBANE, April 7 AAP - One Nation leader Pauline Hanson would not be testifying in the
civil trial in which her party's registration had been called into question, the Supreme Court
was told here today.

One Nation's registration as a political party by the Queensland Electoral Commission has
been reviewed by Justice Roslyn Atkinson in a Supreme Court hearing during the past three
weeks.

The review was instigated by disgruntled former Gold Coast One Nation candidate, Terry
Sharples, who is attempting to have the party's registration declared invalid in Queensland.

He has argued that the 500 people the electoral commission was given to understood were
members of the party were only organisational supporters.

Any party wishing to be registered in Australia must show it has a certain number of
members.

One Nation was expected to open its case today, beginning with party national director,
David Ettridge.

Fellow directors, Ms Hanson and David Oldfield, were to follow later in the week.

Instead, in a surprise move, barrister Peter Lyons QC informed Justice Atkinson no
witnesses would be be called.

All parties will now submit written closing arguments.

AAP smk/sd/maur/br

KEYWORD: NATION SHARPLES (CARRIED EARLIER)

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