One Nation leader Pauline Hanson launched her federal election campaign for Victoria in Bendigo today by comparing her career to that of Senate candidate Elise Chapman – saying both had been branded racists for standing up for what they believed in. 

“You’re here today because you’re fed up with the major political parties who you feel are not representing you,” Ms Hanson told the more than 60 supporters who attended today’s function. 

“I know you have your issues in this town, I know the public here fought against the mosque and I know Elise has fought against the mosque – she stood up for what she believed in.” 

The One Nation leader also spoke about issues including foreign ownership of agriculture and homes, multinational tax avoidance, the decline in manufacturing and immigration. 

Ms Chapman – a City of Greater Bendigo councillor – was ordered to apologise last year for a tweet linking the proposed Bendigo mosque to female genital mutilation. She is currently challenging that finding at a state tribunal. 

Related: Council takes lead role against Chapman's VCAT challenge

Ms Hanson spoke about her first campaign for federal parliament at the 1996 election when she was initially endorsed by the Liberal Party.

“When I spoke out, I wrote a letter to the papers and called for equality for all Australians one of the councillors – who I used to be on the Ipswich City Council with – he actually screamed ‘racism.’”

“I was then asked by the Liberal Party to apologise – I refused.”

Ms Hanson said the “general feeling” in Bendigo and central Victoria was not unlike many other places around the county.

“Australians are now faced with terrorism, we've got over 400 that are on the watch list from ASIO,” she said.

“That's not good for us in the long run.

“I spoke about this 20 years ago, I said what was going to happened and it’s exactly what is happening here in this country.”