IA founder Dave Donovan explains why holding politicians like Joe Bjelke-Petersen and Pauline Hanson to account is paramount for Independent Australia, and has shaped its existence. GORDON DONOVAN, my father, a grazier and long-serving Duaringa Shire Councillor, knew Joh Bjelke-Petersen reasonably well. I was the youngest child of four and only saw Dad chat to the Kingaroy Peanut King on one occasion, at a rural event for the well-heeled pastoralists and it looked amicable.