Pauline Hanson makes major One Nation announcement as shock resignation rocks Parliament

By MAX AITCHISON, POLITICAL REPORTER, AUSTRALIA

Published: 20:09 EDT, 18 August 2025 | Updated: 20:29 EDT, 18 August 2025

A One Nation senator has resigned from parliament, just months after first being elected. 

Warwick Stacey, One Nation Senator for NSW, resigned from the Senate on Tuesday morning, citing personal health reasons.

Stacey, 72, a former army officer who served in Northern Ireland, was elected to the Senate at the federal election in May. 

The upper house has only sat for seven days so far this parliamentary calendar. 

Senator Stacey said he could not in good conscience continue in his role if he could not dedicate himself 100 per cent.

‘Unfortunately, I will be unable to fully dedicate myself to the role as I deal with my personal health issues,’ he said.

‘I don’t think a person elected to Parliament should be anything less than completely dedicated to a role entrusted to them by voters, so I’m resigning to make way for someone who can do that on behalf of the people of NSW.

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson gave her full support and admiration to Senator Stacey.

Warwick Stacey (pictured), One Nation Senator for NSW , resigned from the Senate on Tuesday morning, citing personal health reasons

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson gave her full support and admiration to the outgoing senator

‘Warwick Stacey is a man of principle and a great Australian,’ Senator Hanson said. 

‘It is with profound regret that we farewell him from the Senate so soon after he was elected.’

His departure creates a casual vacancy. 

One Nation will announce the individual who will succeed him in coming weeks, ahead of the joint sitting of the NSW parliament required by the Constitution to ratify his successor.

In his extremely brief time in parliament, Stacey railed against Welcome to Country ceremonies, turning his back on one held in the upper house.  

‘These are exercises in virtue signalling and they keep disunity alive,’ he said.

‘The practice of welcome to country was invented in the 1970s. It and associated statements have become weapons in a culture war that seeks to divide Australia. 

‘They imply the Australian nation is illegitimate. Australians are sick of these divisive culture wars from the radical left.’

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Pauline Hanson makes major One Nation announcement as shock resignation rocks Parliament