9 February 2005

On 8 February 2005, the Australian Electoral Commission deregistered Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party, but without affecting the registration of the NSW and Queensland divisions.

The AEC received an application for voluntary deregistration from the national secretary of the party. After extensive consultation with the party, the AEC concluded that the application met the requirements of the legislation and that the party must be deregistered.

However, the legislation allows various branches or divisions of a party to also be registered. Deregistration of one part of a party does not necessarily affect the registration of other parts of that party. Therefore, the NSW and Queensland divisions of Pauline Hanson’s One Nation remain registered, and processing of the application from the WA division of the party will continue.

Registration of political parties for federal elections carries certain benefits and obligations. These are explained in the Federal Registration of Political Parties Handbook.

Media contact:

Kathy Mitchell

Director Funding and Disclosure

Ph: (02) 6271 4413