Rodney Culleton, a former One Nation senator and founder of the Great Australian Party, has once again been referred to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) for allegedly failing to disclose his bankruptcy status while nominating for the upcoming federal election.
The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) flagged the issue after confirming that Mr. Culleton remains listed as an undischarged bankrupt on the National Personal Insolvency Index. Under electoral laws, candidates must declare if they are bankrupt or insolvent at the time of nomination, as this status disqualifies them from serving in federal parliament.
This marks the third time the AEC has referred Mr. Culleton to the AFP over similar concerns, having done so previously in the 2019 and 2022 federal elections. The agency confirmed that legal proceedings relating to the 2022 matter are still ongoing.
Despite the referral, the AEC does not have the authority to reject a nomination based on a candidate’s eligibility, even if there are doubts or ongoing investigations. As such, Mr. Culleton will appear on the Western Australia Senate ballot paper under the slightly altered name “Cullerton.”
Mr. Culleton maintains that the bankruptcy declaration against him is not legally valid, arguing that the required legal process was not followed.
“Without personal service of a Creditor’s Petition, I am not legally bankrupt under the Act and therefore not disqualified under Section 44 of the Constitution,” he stated.
He accused the AEC of overstepping its role, calling the matter a “politically motivated witch hunt” and “a waste of public resources.”
Rod Culleton was elected to the Senate in 2016 under the One Nation banner but later served as an independent. His term was cut short in 2017 when the High Court ruled his election invalid due to a prior criminal conviction.
While the latest referral adds to Mr. Culleton’s controversial political history, it remains to be seen whether the AFP will pursue charges ahead of the election.
