In a surprise move, Tania Mihailuk, the former Bankstown Mayor and last remaining representative of Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party in New South Wales, has announced her departure from the party.
A Lack of Transparency Leads to Exit
Mihailuk cited concerns over the party’s administrative structure, stating that she was “not fully informed” about its internal operations. This lack of transparency ultimately led to her decision to end her membership with One Nation.
“After much careful consideration, I have made the decision to end my membership of Pauline Hanson’s One Nation (PHON),” she said in a statement. “Earlier this year, I came to an impasse with the party, and as a result, I do not wish to remain a member of PHON.”
A Pattern of Concerns
Mihailuk’s exit follows the earlier departures of Mark Latham and Rod Roberts, who quit the party in 2023 after claiming under parliamentary privilege that officials had misappropriated taxpayer funds. This pattern of concerns raises serious questions about the party’s internal workings and accountability.
One Nation Left Reeling
With Mihailuk’s departure, One Nation is now left without representation in the NSW Legislative Council. This significant setback has left the party struggling to maintain momentum at both state and federal levels.
A Tumultuous Period for One Nation
The party’s struggles are evident in its recent electoral performances. In the 2024 Queensland election, One Nation failed to win a single seat, and a recent Newspoll showed the party polling at just seven per cent nationally.
A New Chapter for Mihailuk
As an independent upper house MP, Mihailuk has promised to stay on the crossbench and continue fighting for conservative values. “My values have not changed,” she said. “Religious freedom and parental rights are well and truly under attack from the NSW Labor government, and I will remain on the front line of that fight.”
Mihailuk’s decision to quit One Nation marks a significant blow to the party, and it remains to be seen how they will recover from this setback. One thing is certain, however – the people of New South Wales will be watching closely as this political drama unfolds.