One Nation Sacks Staffer, Candidates Quit Over Rape Conviction

0:00It's April 13th, Sydney News Today starts now. AI-powered and ready. I'm Cory with the story. Pauline Hanson, leader of One Nation, just sacked her staffer Sean Black after heavy backlash over his 2018 rate conviction. Black served time in prison, got out and was rehired by the party before last year's federal election. Now, with the spotlight on, Hanson says she doesn't condone the crime, but no tea did his time. Two former One Nation candidates, Lee Burns and Robert Stucky, quit the party feeling let down by the leadership's defense of Black. They clashed over his role in campaigns, especially since their areas deal with high domestic violence rates. Burns called a response from chief of staff James Aspie-Flippin, while Stucky raised issues directly with Hanson. Both candidates stressed rehabilitation matters, but the judge in Black's case pointed out he showed no remorse, which hit hard for them. Stucky, with ties to domestic violence survivors, said it went against his morals and changed his whole view of the party.

1:02Burns felt unheard and sworn off politics entirely. The party hit back with letters pausing their campaigns, demanding strict compliance on policy and communication, and even hiding their profiles. Stucky resigned anyway, citing Black's aggressive style and threats. Hanson blamed media and opponents for gutter politics, while One Nation dodged ABC interview requests. As One Nation gains traction nationwide, these exits spotlight deeper rifts on accountability. Voters weighing support might pause on who they back for real change.