IA Founder Explains Political Connections
The article was published on 19 June 2026 at 03:00 GMT+10 by Sydney Sun and Australian Herald, or at 7:30am by Independent Australia.
Independent Australia founder David Donovan stated that holding politicians like former Queensland Premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen and Pauline Hanson to account is paramount for Independent Australia. He noted this approach has shaped the existence of the publication.
Father's Relationship with Joh Bjelke-Petersen
David Donovan described his father, Gordon Donovan, as a grazier and long-serving Duaringa Shire Councillor who knew Joh Bjelke-Petersen reasonably well. According to David Donovan, he was the youngest child of four.
The article notes that David Donovan only saw his father chat with Joh Bjelke-Petersen on one occasion at a rural event for pastoralists in Kingaroy. The interaction reportedly looked amicable.
Handshake Anecdote
David Donovan stated he shook hands with Joh Bjelke-Petersen when he was seven years old. He recalled feeling disgust because the hand felt like a lettuce, describing it as softer than his mother's and limp.
Speech Style Observations
Gordon Donovan reportedly told his son that Joh Bjelke-Petersen's reputation for speaking like a "bumpkin" was not accurate when talking to locals or his father. Gordon Donovan noted instead that the former premier spoke with notable eloquence.
David Donovan stated that the description of Joh Bjelke-Petersen feeding chooks as a bluster was simply an act, according to Gordon Donovan. The article states that Gordon Donovan believed this act made Joh appeal to ordinary, everyday folk.
Pauline Hanson's Public Speaking
David Donovan stated he has met Pauline Hanson on a few occasions and noted she spoke at the National Press Club on Tuesday 17 June. During her speech about immigrants not speaking their language, many people in the media reportedly smirkedly pointed out that Hanson spoke haltingly, tortuously, and ungrammatically.
Perception of Public Persona
David Donovan stated he does not think Pauline Hanson's public speaking is an act. He believes she is happy when people mock or chide her for it. The article describes this as mocking her "unvarnished erudition".
Queensland Context
The article describes Queensland as Australia's most parochial and provincial state, noting that both Bjelke-Petersen and Hanson make politicians more like ordinary folk in this context. David Donovan stated these qualities are a "giant gift" in the region.