One Nation faces de-registration as Senator claims party changes illegal
One Nation could face de-registration as a political party after claims it breached electoral rules.
Fairfax reports ALP senator Murray Watt has referred One Nation to the Queensland Electoral Commission to investigate changes in the party’s legal structure, which weren’t reported.
A report in The Saturday Paper claims One Nation’s operating structure was changed in November last year from that of an unincorporated association to an incorporated association.
It further alleges the change was made to shift legal liability away from senior party officers and that Senator Pauline Hanson failed to notify the QEC and party members as required by electoral laws.
In a letter to the QEC, Senator Watt says there could be grounds for the cancellation of the party’s registration in Queensland if the claims are true.
"If these series of allegations are correct they suggest a pattern of behaviour by Senator Hanson and PHON's senior officials and a belief that they do not need to comply with Australian laws, in a manner expected of all other political parties," Senator Watt said in his letter.
"I ask you to investigate these serious allegations concerning PHON's registration, and take any required action to ensure compliance with the Electoral Act."
A spokesman for Ms Hanson said: "At this time the party is making no comment."
