One Nation faces being struck off in Queensland after failing to file audited financial statements

Pauline Hanson's One Nation party faces being struck off in Queensland after failing its legal obligation to lodge audited financial statements with the state's regulator. The breach exposes Hanson and New South Wales Senator Sean Bell to financial penalties, with Hanson registered as president and Bell as secretary for the party in Queensland where it is headquartered.

One Nation, which has seen a surge in popularity over the past year, has come under growing scrutiny of its finances. The party has failed to lodge three years of audited financial reports. Guardian Australia previously revealed that the party has repeatedly failed to meet legal requirements for running an incorporated association in the state, including failing to hold annual general meetings on time and repeatedly filing annual and financial reports late.

Returns filed up until 2022 also revealed more than $1 million in missing or worthless assets that the party has refused to explain, prompting criticism of its “sloppy” accounting methods.

In June, Queensland's Office of Fair Trading requested that the party comply with its obligations. The party lodged overdue annual returns on July 3 but without the required audited financial statements. The regulator gave the party until August 18, 2026 to lodge the outstanding statements. Failure to meet this deadline will result in an investigation, which may lead to enforcement action including infringement notices or a “show cause” notice, the first step before incorporation is cancelled.

Under the act, members of the management committee must ensure financial statements are lodged or face penalties. According to the party’s latest update, Hanson and Bell hold the positions of president and secretary, while Alex Jones remains as treasurer.

In 2023, Jones pleaded guilty to attempted electoral fraud after trying to deceive the Queensland Electoral Commission over the timing of a $24,000 claim for payment. He was fined $1,000 with no conviction recorded after the magistrate noted his “glowing” community credentials.

One Nation has been contacted for comment.