This is a political witch hunt... am I that much of a political threat to the major political parties?

Pauline Hanson

Ms Hanson, who founded the party, said the charges against her were politically motivated.

Speaking outside Brisbane Magistrates Court, she told reporters: "I am bitter, I am upset by all this, especially leading into an election... when I am running for the senate.

"This is a political witch hunt... am I that much of a political threat to the major political parties?"

It is alleged One Nation registered as a political party in Ms Hanson's home state Queensland in 1997 without having enough paid-up members.

One Party has been criticised for its policies towards Asian immigration

Ms Hanson, who is charged alongside her co-founder David Etteridge, is said to have fraudulently accepted funding after winning 11 seats in the state election the following year.

Mainstream political parties were shocked by the strength of support for One Nation, which had previously been largely dismissed as a fringe group of right-wing extremists.

The party's opponents accused it of promoting racist policies, in particular in its attitude towards Asian immigration.

In parliamentary elections in 1998, One Nation polled 8.4% of the vote but Ms Hanson lost her seat and the party disintegrated amid political in-fighting and legal troubles.

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

Ms Hanson has said she hopes to revive her political career by winning a seat in the upper house Senate in December.