One Nation instability has been a defining feature of the party since its inception, with more than half of Pauline Hanson's elected MPs quitting or being expelled before completing their terms. According to Guardian Australia analysis, 28 of the 51 MPs elected under the One Nation banner at state or federal level have either resigned midterm or been expelled, highlighting a persistent pattern of chaos within the party ranks.
A History of Turbulence
Pauline Hanson's own political journey began with controversy. Initially selected as a Liberal candidate for Oxley, she was disendorsed just before the election but her name remained on ballot papers as a Liberal. She won as an independent and later formed One Nation. Since then, the party has been plagued by instability.
In 1998, One Nation won 11 seats in the Queensland parliament, but all 11 members soon either resigned from the party to sit as independents or resigned from parliament altogether. Even Hanson quit her own party as the organisation splintered.
Timeline of MP Departures
The following table highlights key departures from One Nation over the years, illustrating the frequency of exits:
| Year | MP | Reason for Departure |
|---|---|---|
| 1998 | All 11 Queensland MPs | Resigned or expelled |
| 2001 | Pauline Hanson | Quit party |
| 2017 | Malcolm Roberts | Citizenship issues |
| 2018 | Brian Burston | Left to sit as independent |
| 2019 | Steve Dickson | Resigned |
Current Polling and Future Prospects
Despite its history of instability, One Nation won 6% of the national vote at the 2025 federal election and is now polling above 30% in some surveys. This surge could potentially make the party the official federal opposition or even position it for minority government. However, the party's track record raises questions about its ability to maintain unity and govern effectively.

Key Takeaways
- Over half of One Nation's elected MPs have left before completing their terms.
- The party has a long history of internal chaos and splintering.
- Despite instability, One Nation's polling numbers are rising.
- Potential for major political influence if current trends continue.
FAQ
How many One Nation MPs have quit or been expelled?
28 out of 51 elected MPs have either resigned or been expelled before the end of their term.
What is One Nation's current polling?
Recent surveys show One Nation polling above 30%, a significant increase from its 6% national vote in the 2025 federal election.
Why does One Nation have so much instability?
The party has a history of internal conflicts, ideological splits, and leadership disputes, leading to frequent departures.
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