[11] The ARP was founded on 25 May 1996 as the Australian Reform Movement (ARM), one month after the Port Arthur massacre which led to the federal Howard government introducing significant changes to Australia's gun laws.

[23][24] The ARP applied for registration with the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) on 31 July 1996, while Campbell returned to his own party.

[2][25] At meeting of the ARP on 12 October 1996, which was scheduled to be addressed by independent MP Pauline Hanson, had to be moved from the University of Melbourne to a secret venue to avoid a protest by students and other groups.

[26][27][28] Drane later criticised Hanson after she formed her own political party in 1997, saying she was "unprofessional" and may have squandered a chance to unite the right in Australia.

[32][33] In September 1998, artist Pro Hart donated a painting to ARP, which depicted prime minister John Howard wearing a swastika and giving a Nazi salute.