Pauline Hanson (Queensland, Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party) Share this | Hansard source

by leave—I move:

The following matters be referred to the Court of Disputed Returns under section 376 of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918:

(a) whether by reason of s 44(i) of the Constitution there is a vacancy in the representation of Queensland in the Senate for the place for which Senator Roberts was returned;

(b) if the answer to question (a) is ‘yes’, by what means and in what manner that vacancy should be filled;

(c) what directions and other orders, if any, should the Court make in order to hear and finally dispose of this reference; and

(d) what, if any, orders should be made as to the costs of these proceedings.

I move the motion on the basis of being the leader of Pauline Hanson's One Nation. Senator Malcolm Roberts' eligibility to stand in the parliament has come under question under section 44(i) of the Australian Constitution. I believe that, in the interests of the public, this must go before the Court of Disputed Returns. But I want to put on record that I believe that Senator Roberts has complied with section 44(i) of the Australian Constitution and I believe that he does have a right to stand in this parliament. I have always stood up for accountability, honesty and integrity and that was shown by Senator Roberts prior to his nomination for the position. It's been taken completely out of context by some media. In all fairness to the people, this needs to be looked at by the court system.

I want to bring to your attention that in 1998, after Senator Heather Hill won her seat under One Nation, she was disqualified in the High Court from taking her position in the Senate. It was then taken up by Senator Len Harris. Senator Len Harris moved in the parliament, on behalf of One Nation, that all senators in this chamber must produce evidence of their citizenship. Both the major and the minor political parties closed ranks and it never became the case. So, since 1998 we have called for accountability with regard to dual citizenship. For every member of this House to comply with the Constitution, they must have allegiance to only one country, and that is Australia. Therefore, as I said, we are seeking for this to go to the High Court for clarification, and my full support is behind Senator Malcolm Roberts, as is the support of Senator Brian Burston and Senator Peter Georgiou.