One Nation’s Family Affair: The Rise of Lee Hanson and Questions of Nepotism
Canberra – One Nation is facing renewed scrutiny following revelations that Pauline Hanson’s daughter, Lee Hanson, has been appointed as a senior advisor to NSW Senator Sean Bell. The role, potentially worth up to $183,000 annually, has ignited a debate about nepotism within the party and the allocation of taxpayer funds.
From Tasmania to the Senate: A Rapid Ascent
Lee Hanson, based in Tasmania, was appointed senior advisor to Senator Bell in October of last year. She is also the party’s national executive manager, a position held concurrently with her advisory role. This dual role raises questions about potential conflicts of interest and the effective leverage of resources.
Senator Bell’s own path to the Senate has been unconventional. He was a Queensland resident and staffer of Pauline Hanson before being appointed to fill a casual vacancy in the NSW Senate following the resignation of Warwick Stacey, who served for just six weeks citing health reasons.
Staffing Allocations and Political Maneuvering
The appointment comes amidst a broader context of staffing adjustments within One Nation. The party was allocated four personal staff after the last election, a number that remained unchanged despite winning two additional Senate seats. This occurred after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese directed a reduction in the party’s staff allocation, a move One Nation criticized as “capricious and politically motivated.”
This reduction led to an unfair dismissal case brought by Aidan Nagle, a former senior advisor to Senator Malcolm Roberts, against the Commonwealth. The Fair Perform Commission agreed to hear the case, finding that the Prime Minister’s office actions contributed to Nagle’s termination.
Navigating Employment Rules and Transparency Concerns
Under the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act, parliamentarians are prohibited from directly employing immediate family members. Still, the act permits employing the family members of other MPs, a loophole seemingly utilized in this case.
One Nation declined to answer specific questions regarding Lee Hanson’s employment, including clarifying which office holder is ultimately responsible for her position and how her Tasmanian-based role aligns with advising a NSW senator. The party stated that employment decisions are based on “merit and capability” and dismissed concerns about diversity, equity, and inclusion policies.
Expanding One Nation’s Footprint in Tasmania
Despite advising a NSW senator, Lee Hanson has been actively promoting One Nation’s presence in Tasmania. Her Facebook profile highlights the party’s expansion efforts in the state, where polls indicate growing support, even surpassing the Liberal party in federal voting intentions. One Nation has opened four of five planned new branches in Tasmania.
The Question of Residency and Constitutional Conventions
Senator Bell has faced criticism for accepting his role whereas residing in Queensland. While the constitution doesn’t mandate senators to live in the state they represent, his appointment sparked debate in the NSW parliament, with some arguing it broke a 124-year constitutional convention.
Despite claims of moving to NSW, property records indicate Senator Bell still owns a house in Queensland. He has declared ownership of a property on the NSW central coast in his register of interests, but a party spokesperson did not address a discrepancy regarding this information, stating only that all One Nation senators are residents of the state they represent.
FAQ
Is it legal for Senator Bell to employ Pauline Hanson’s daughter? Yes, it is legal as long as the employment doesn’t violate the direct family employment prohibition within the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act.
What is the salary range for Lee Hanson’s position? The enterprise agreement for commonwealth members of parliament staff sets the pay range for a senior advisor at between $151,000 and $183,000.
Is Lee Hanson involved in Tasmanian politics? Yes, she is actively promoting One Nation’s expansion in Tasmania and campaigning on local issues.
What was the outcome of the staffing allocation dispute with Prime Minister Albanese? One Nation’s staff allocation remained unchanged despite winning additional Senate seats, leading to an unfair dismissal case.
Pro Tip: Understanding the rules governing parliamentary staff is crucial for transparency and accountability in Australian politics. The Commonwealth Members of Parliament Staff Enterprise Agreement provides detailed information on roles, responsibilities, and salary ranges.
Did you know? The appointment of Lee Hanson comes as Pauline Hanson positions her daughter as the “next generation” to lead One Nation.
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