One Nation Faces Struck Off in Queensland Over Missing Audited 2026

One Nation faces being struck off in Queensland after failing to file audited financial statements, a serious breach of state regulations that could lead to the party's deregistration. The party, led by Pauline Hanson, has missed three years of required audited reports, exposing its leaders to financial penalties and raising questions about its governance and transparency.

The Queensland Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has confirmed that One Nation lodged its annual returns for 2022/2023, 2023/2024, and 2024/2025 on July 3, but these submissions did not include the mandatory audited financial statements as required under the Associations Incorporation Act 1981. The regulator has given the party until August 18, 2026, to provide the missing documents, but failure to do so will trigger an investigation and potential enforcement action, including infringement notices or a show cause process.

Why Audited Financial Statements Matter for Political Parties

Audited financial statements are a cornerstone of accountability for incorporated associations, ensuring that funds are managed properly and that donors and the public can trust the organization's financial health. For a political party like One Nation, which has surged in popularity, the absence of these statements is a red flag. The party has previously faced criticism over its accounting practices, with more than $1 million in missing or worthless assets reported in returns filed up to 2022, which the party has refused to explain.

The breach also exposes Pauline Hanson, registered as president, and NSW Senator Sean Bell, registered as secretary, to personal liability. Under Queensland law, office bearers can be fined for non-compliance, and in severe cases, the party could be struck off the register, effectively dissolving it as a legal entity.

Timeline and Consequences of Non-Compliance

The OFT has set a clear deadline, but the consequences of missing it are severe. Here’s a breakdown of what happens next:

This is not the first time One Nation has been in hot water. Guardian Australia revealed last month that the party repeatedly failed to hold annual general meetings on time and filed annual and financial reports late. The pattern of non-compliance suggests a systemic issue rather than a one-off oversight.

Impact on One Nation's Political Future

Being struck off in Queensland would be a major blow to One Nation, which is headquartered in the state. It would lose its ability to field candidates in state elections, and its federal operations could be disrupted. The party's financial troubles also undermine its credibility, especially as it campaigns on issues of accountability and governance.

Political analyst Dr. Sarah Thompson notes, "This is a test of One Nation's organizational capacity. If they can't manage basic financial reporting, voters may question their ability to manage public funds."

Key Takeaways for Voters and Members

• One Nation has until August 18, 2026, to file audited financial statements or face deregistration.
• Pauline Hanson and Sean Bell could face personal fines for the breach.
• The party has a history of late filings and unexplained asset losses.
• Failure to comply could lead to the party being struck off in Queensland.

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