Pauline Hanson and Australian racism

There are two pieces of good news coming out of last weekend's election in Australia. First, the demise of the ultra- conservative and racist One Nation party led by maverick Pauline Hanson. Second, the return of John Howard's coalition government.

Both the government and the Labor opposition should be credited for their joint assault on Hanson's racism. the Australian press also did a good job in exposing the flaws in her homespun economic policies. But, like it or not, racism and discrimination of ethnic minorities will not disappear with the sinking of Hanson's bandwagon. It will require more hard work if Australia is to become a true melting pot.

Now that the elections are over and Australians have passed their verdict, we hope the coalition will pay more attention to the Asian economic crisis and other regional issues.

It is also most welcoming news that Aden Ridgeway will become the first Aboriginal senator in the history of Australian politics.

-- The Nation, Bangkok