Qld: Hanson family attacks Beattie

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Qld: Hanson family attacks Beattie

By Dale Paget

GOLD COAST, Aug 22 AAP - Pauline Hanson's brothers and sisters today called on votersto make the Queensland government accountable at the next election for hunting their littlesister like a dog.

In an emotional family news conference, Judy Smith and Carolyn Greene joined brothersPeter and John Seccombe urging supporters to also bombard politicians around the countrywith complaints.

The family placed the blame for Hanson's three-year imprisonment for electoral fraudon the Beattie government.

"There is an election next year and the people of Queensland should hold the Beattiegovernment accountable for this," said Peter Seccombe.

"The fact they can spend in excess of $3 million, maybe $4 million, of taxpayers' moneychasing Pauline up on a technicality.

"I feel Peter Beattie has shot himself in the foot with this and it's up to the peopleof Australia to make it hurt, to let him see what mistakes are made.

"The call for political action follows Premier Peter Beattie warning Hanson would beseen as a martyr by some."

Hanson is the youngest in a family of seven children.

The brothers and sisters hugged and held back tears as they described Hanson's emotionalstate and their own frustration and shock at the sentence.

"Nothing makes sense," said Judy Smith.

"She's been through a six-week trial but it's not just a six-week trial.

"They've been hunting her for years. They've been hunting her like a damn dog.

"It's been an absolute witchhunt to get her out of the way."

Hanson's son Adam has written a song for his mother called Innocence, which is to beused as a rallying tune for supporters.

Adam, brother Tony and Judy Smith will be the first family members allowed to see Hansonin prison. They are scheduled to visit on Sunday.

"I'll just tell her I love her and that we are with her and that we will always bewith her," said Mrs Smith.

The family said donations can be sent to the Pauline Hanson Fighting Fund at PO Box 428, Ipswich.

AAP dp/sc/sjb/bwl

KEYWORD: HANSON FAMILY (PIX AVAILABLE)