Fed: Hanson's jail sentence shocked me - Dems leader
CANBERRA, Aug 21 AAP - Australian Democrats Leader Andrew Bartlett said today he wasshocked at One Nation founder Pauline Hanson's prison sentence but it was what could happenif people did not keep their wits about them.
"I was quite shocked actually. I do feel sorry for her personally. It's obviously apersonal tragedy but it highlights that people aren't above the law," Senator Bartletttold reporters.
"I'm not a lawyer or a judge so I wouldn't want to specifically comment on whetherits too harsh or not.
"I just say, it surprised me, the size of it."
The former federal MP and former One Nation director David Ettridge, were both sentencedto three years' jail yesterday for fraudulently registering Pauline Hanson's One Nationin Queensland.
Senator Bartlett said that judging by how things had gone for Ms Hanson in recent years,other people had possibly led her into her situation.
"But that can happen to lots of people if they don't keep their wits about them andmake sure they're doing the right thing at all times."
He said the sentence showed how quickly things could turn around in politics, but thedemise of Ms Hanson would have little political impact on One Nation or the Democrats.
"One Nation seems to have splintered into about six different parties already. I'mnot sure it would make too much difference to their future."
AAP dep/cjh/de
KEYWORD: HANSON BARTLETT
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