The concept of the “fair go” remains a strong and important quality of the Australian way of life.

However, this landscape seems to be changing – and not for the better.

Whether you like her politics or not, Pauline Hanson’s One Nation Party managed to secure more than 540,000 votes at the federal election.

There’s no doubt she has some extreme views – but the same can be said about many of her detractors who are only too happy to vilify, ridicule and taunt the outspoken senator-elect.

Instead of asking why the One Nation Party is once again a player on the political football park, Ms Hanson becomes the target with her opponents “playing the man and not the ball”.

For the major political parties, it’s a case of pushing their own wheelbarrow to maintain the status quo – clinging desperately to every seat and fighting against independents and minor parties.

And while they may welcome Ms Hanson to the negotiating table in an effort to win her support on the floor of parliament, it will be done with little or no recognition that she actually speaks for many Australians.

In ignoring and sneering at her views, these same politicians and commentators are effectively doing the same to more than 540,000 Australians.

The party’s policies are not to everyone’s liking, but the great thing about our country – or at least it had been – is that people with different views are able to speak openly and honestly.

Attempting to silence these views gives them oxygen.

The best approach is to be open to alternate ideas, then discuss and debate them. A strong democracy is about having a debate and accepting the outcome.

Such a large number of Australians didn’t vote for One Nation because there was no other option – they voted for the party because Hanson tapped a feeling in the community that needed to be recognised.

Instead of demonising those who put these views forward on behalf of their constituents, let’s have constructive debate and develop policies which address these concerns.

Only by listening to and respecting each other can we ensure our communities remain unified and the “lucky country” continues for decades to come.