Cracks appear in One Nation's facade

SBS World News Radio: Cracks are beginning to show in the One Nation party after a public spat between Pauline Hanson and one of her colleagues.

Cracks appear in One Nation's facadeCracks appear in One Nation's facade

Cracks appear in One Nation's facade

The unity of the One Nation party is hanging by a thread.

After senator Rod Culleton failed to attend a meeting with party leader Pauline Hanson.

Mr Culleton insists Ms Hanson was supposed to come to him.

But the One Nation leader was quick to put the senator in his place.

"Rod, excuse me, I'm party leader. I expect you to come to my office, right, and it's about being a team player, and that's all I expect. I have the respect from my other Senators and I expect the same from Rod Culleton. Under the banner of One Nation. Pauline Hanson's One Nation."

Queensland's Police Commissioner has been asked to investigate a letter Senator Culleton sent to a magistrate asking for a bankruptcy case to be adjourned.

In it, he said he was watching the conduct of all judicial officers.

State Attorney-General Yvette D'Ath referred Mr Culleton to police after the magistrate expressed concern the correspondence could amount to an attempt to pervert the course of justice, as well as threatening a judicial officer.

Mr Culleton believes the investigation is payback for some questions he asked as a One Nation senator.

"I've come to Parliament and I've put in some, I've asked some pretty good questions and, you know, I'd be a fool if I ever thought there wouldn't be some sort of reaction. And there's clearly a reaction."

Senator Hanson says the affair has taken her completely by surprise.

"I was unaware of the letter that he actually sent to the court. So I had no indication this was going to happen. So, I've been taken completely unawares. And I would like an answer, yes, as leader of the party."

Earlier this month, Pauline Hanson backed a parliamentary referral to the High Court over Senator Culleton's election eligibility because he had a larceny conviction at the time of the July poll.

Tensions within the party were clear at a White Ribbon breakfast at Parliament House, with the two senators standing at opposite sides of the room.

Mr Culleton was absent from a One Nation party room meeting following the breakfast.

When asked if he is happy to remain in the party, Mr Culleton says it isn't a question of whether he is happy or not.

"When I chose, or when Pauline chose me as a candidate, and I was committed to running as a Senator, I dId it under the One Nation Banner. And I have principles. Now, whether the going gets tough, or whether I, you know, get very happy, I have to serve my term for my constituents because that's how they voted me to Parliament. Under a One Nation banner."

Ms Hanson has finally met Senator Rod Culleton for a "please explain" on his referral to Queensland police for allegedly trying to pervert the course of justice.

 






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