Australia's Hanson charged with fraud

Ms Hanson (right) failed to win a Senate seat in 2001

Pauline Hanson, one of Australia's most controversial political figures, has appeared in court in Brisbane on charges of defrauding electoral authorities.

One Nation is opposed to the arrival of boatpeople

The prosecution is expected to argue that Ms Hanson - who used to own a fish and chip shop until she entered politics - used the names of a group of supporters rather than paid-up party members to persuade electoral authorities that her One Nation party was entitled to be registered as a political party.

The prosecution says it has other charges of dishonesty, including some which carry a penalty of up to 10 years in prison.

The co-founder of One Nation, David Ettridge, is facing similar charges.

Election success

Ms Hanson, who was elected to parliament in 1996, leapt into headlines with a sensational maiden speech attacking aborigines, Asian immigrants, bureaucrats, big business and foreign investors.

She lost her seat in the 1998 election. But a BBC correspondent says One Nation clearly touched a chord of deep conservatism, scoring nearly 25% of the vote in elections for the state of Queensland.

In February 2001 the party performed well in elections in Queensland and Western Australia states, polling up to 10% of votes.

Ms Hanson's trial is expected to last about a month.