Qld: Hanson and Ettridge confused members, court told

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Qld: Hanson and Ettridge confused members, court told

By Ainsley Pavey

BRISBANE, Aug 5 AAP - Former One Nation national director David Ettridge had admittedto deliberately deceiving members of Pauline Hanson's support movement, a Brisbane courtwas told today.

Sydney businessman John Seale told Brisbane's District Court that Ettridge and hisco-accused, former party president Hanson, had purposely created confusion in the mindsof support group members.

Mr Seale, who teaches economics and politics to prospective political candidates, saidEttridge admitted to him in August or September 1997 there were only three members ofthe political party.

He said he had asked Ettridge whether One Nation would contest the Queensland election.

Mr Seale said Ettridge told him the organisation was bulletproof and the only membersof the party were himself, Hanson and former One Nation policy adviser David Oldfield.

"There were three members of the party; it was crystal clear," Mr Seale told the court.

Hanson, 49, and Ettridge, 58, have pleaded not guilty to fraudulently registering PaulineHanson's One Nation in Queensland on December 4, 1997.

Hanson has also pleaded not guilty to two counts of dishonestly obtaining two chequesworth almost $500,000 for electoral reimbursements after the 1998 state election.

Mr Seale said Ettridge admitted to drafting a constitution in the support movementbranch starter kit to "deceive the members".

He also told the court that he (Seale) sent members a plan to democratise Pauline Hanson'sOne Nation and was told by Hanson to "butt out" of her political party.

During cross-examination Ettridge, who is representing himself, denied having the conversation,but Mr Seale told the court the words were "ringing in his ears".

He told the court he was "disgusted" Ettridge was purporting to thousands of peoplethat they belonged to a political party.

"I was shocked and horrified when you told me you set out to deliberately deceive themembers," Mr Seale told the court.

"You and Ms Hanson have created a sense of confusion purposely in their mind."

Chief Judge Patsy Wolfe told the jury the trial was expected to continue until at leastthe end of next week after Ettridge calls his proposed 20 witnesses.

AAP ap/sc/was/jlw

KEYWORD: HANSON