It appears a former senator and Grass Patch resident may “stand” for the senate but not sit as a senator if he is elected.
Former One Nation and independent Senator Rod Culleton has nominated again as a Senate candidate for the Great Australia Party, even though he may not be eligible to sit in Parliament.
“The AEC notes Mr Cullerton is listed on the National Personal Insolvency Index as an undischarged bankrupt,” a spokesperson said.
“It appears therefore that he may have made a false declaration as part of his nomination process.
“The AEC has referred this matter to the Australian Federal Police for their consideration.”
The AEC issued a statement saying it had no legal power to reject a fully completed candidate nomination, regardless of whether any answer to a question of the qualification checklist was incorrect, false or inadequate.
However section 44(iii) of the Constitution says: “Any person who is an undischarged bankrupt or insolvent, shall be incapable of being chosen or of sitting as a senator or a member of the House of Representatives.”
“A prosecution relating to this matter is ongoing,” the statement says.
“Mr Cullerton’s name will appear on the WA Senate ballot paper in the 2025 Federal election.”
Rod Cullerton is now leader of the Great Australia Party.
In preparing this story we queried the spelling of his name in the AEC statement.
A spokesperson said Mr Cullerton “also” referred to himself as Mr Rodney “Culleton”.
“As he is enrolled to vote under the name ‘Rodney Cullerton’, the AEC is obliged to refer to him as such on the ballot paper,” she wrote.
