Pauline Hanson, the leader of One Nation, announced on Sunday the termination of staff member Sean Black, who was convicted of rape in 2018. This decision follows growing scrutiny regarding Black’s criminal background.
Two former candidates of the party, Robert Stuckey and Leigh Burns, have alleged that they previously voiced concerns to Hanson about Black’s role within the organization. Stuckey and Burns, who were candidates for the Western Sydney electorates of Greenway and Chifley in the last federal election, reported that they felt ignored when they raised issues about Black’s past.
In interviews with ABC, both former candidates expressed their disappointment with the party leadership’s defense of Black and their disagreements over policies and support for campaigns. “It’s unforgivable. She [Hanson] has to be held accountable,” stated Stuckey.
One Nation did not respond to interview requests from either Hanson or chief of staff James Ashby, nor did they provide written answers to inquiries. In an interview with Sky News, Hanson remarked that Black’s dismissal came after intensified media attention and political backlash surrounding his conviction. “I don’t condone this sort of behavior whatsoever,” she stated, adding that she had not received any concerns from other female staff members.
Black’s conviction for rape had not prevented his reemployment with One Nation prior to the federal election last year. Stuckey and Burns are now speaking out to highlight what they perceive as a lack of appropriate action regarding their concerns, particularly as the party gains traction nationwide. “This is not about bringing down a party,” emphasized Stuckey. “We believed in One Nation.”
One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce, who officiated Black’s wedding in 2010, remarked that criminals deserve “redemption.” Both Stuckey and Burns acknowledged the importance of rehabilitation but expressed concern over the judge’s comments during Black’s sentencing, which indicated a lack of remorse on his part. “That really worries me,” Stuckey stated, noting that it altered his perception of the party.
Stuckey, who was up against Attorney-General Michelle Rowland in Greenway, recounted an initial conversation with then-campaign director Damian Huxham, who reassured him that his inexperience would not be an issue. However, after Huxham’s unexpected departure, Stuckey was referred to Black, whose communication style he found abrasive. Upon researching Black, Stuckey discovered the ABC report detailing Black’s rape conviction.
Stuckey, who has personal ties to domestic violence survivors, confronted Hanson directly about the validity of the ABC report. “I thought, I’ll go straight to the horse’s mouth and say, ‘Pauline, is this true?’” he recalled. Hanson acknowledged the truth of the report but defended Black by stating that “everyone deserves a second chance.” Stuckey responded that certain crimes cannot simply be overlooked.
Ms. Burns also attempted to address her concerns about Black with Hanson but was informed that Hanson was unavailable. Instead, she opted to speak with Ashby on January 16, 2025, as documented in a text message obtained by ABC. During their conversation, Burns expressed her apprehensions about working in a high domestic violence area while being associated with Black. Ashby reportedly dismissed her concerns, stating, “The guy’s done his time. He’s married now with two little kids.”
Burns described Ashby’s response as “flippant” and “dismissive,” which ultimately led her to withdraw from the party. “It actually gave me a real eye-opener into the world of politics, and it’s a world I just don’t want to be a part of,” she reflected, feeling ignored and unacknowledged.
The deteriorating relationship between Stuckey, Burns, and One Nation was exacerbated by Black’s “aggressive” communication style and contentious disagreements regarding policy and campaign strategies. In a March 18, 2025 email, Stuckey accused Black of employing intimidation tactics, stating, “I do hope that One Nation finally sees that your methods are not conducive to developing strong relationships within the party and externally.”
