However the coalition faced a strong threat from the rise of Pauline Hanson 's One Nation party that challenged on issues such as multiculturalism , gun ownership and native title . One Nation 's appeal resonated well the Nationals ' heartland of rural and regional Queensland . The Coalition also suffered a backlash against the introduction of gun control laws after the Port Arthur massacre . At the 1998 election the Coalition lost much support to One Nation and fell from power . The election also saw the Liberals poll more votes than the Nationals for the first time in over a quarter of a century despite the latter winning more seats and this outcome would recur for the next decade . However they remained behind in seats and conflicting approaches to One Nation voters and transfers meant the two parties were undermining each other 's approach . At the 2001 election , the Coalition only suffered a two-percent swing . However , the Liberals were all but wiped out in Brisbane , falling to only one seat there , that of leader David Watson . They only won two other seats in that election , those of Shelton and Bob Quinn , who replaced Watson as leader after the election . This was easily the worst showing for the urban non-Labor party in Queensland since it adopted the Liberal banner
Port Arthur massacre
Port Arthur massacre (Australia)
Liberal Party of Australia (Queensland Division)