Pauline Hanson’s One Nation erupts in warfare over claims quitting MP Sarah Game’s mother failed to secure top spot on party’s nomination for 2026 state election
Internal warfare has erupted within Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party as a party elder quit with her South Australian politician daughter amid claims of political “treachery”.
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Internal warfare has erupted within Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party as a party elder quit with her South Australian politician daughter amid claims of political “treachery”.
History-making One Nation member Sarah Game, 42, quit as the party’s sole Upper House MP on Saturday almost halfway through her eight year term that will end in 2030.
As her dramatic resignation sparked widespread party fury from “blindsided” colleagues, the Legislative Council crossbench politician’s mother, Jennifer Game, 72, also quit.
But as a bitter war of words erupted and the MP faced calls to quit parliament, party chiefs alleged the angry duo were spitting their political dummies over failed ambitions.
Senator Hanson’s chief of staff, James Ashby, alleged Jennifer Game was last week told she would not be the party’s top Upper Houser candidate for next year’s state election - which her daughter supported and was prepared to resign her spot for her mother.
He said the party would not be “held to ransom” as he alleged “Jennifer issued a distressing ultimatum to both Sarah and the party, demanding a nomination to the state parliament”.
He called on Sarah, a single mother of three, to resign her seat and run at the March 2026 poll as an independent while calling for new laws to stop candidates quitting mid-term.
“The resignation of Sarah Game MLC has blindsided One Nation and its members after the party decided not to place her mother top of the ticket in preselection,” he said.
“(Her) excuse for leaving One Nation... lacks the accountability and transparency she promotes.
“(It)… again shines a light on a very serious and growing problem in Australian politics, whereby a person can walk away from a political party that has invested time, money and resources into having them elected.
“Every political party … has been impacted by similar acts of treachery.”
One Nation SA president, Carlos Quaremba, condemned the “dirty games” of politics.
“Ms Game’s concerns have only been for herself and we’ll have more to say about that,” he said.
Ms Game said she no longer wanted to be “restrained”.
“I do understand the deep disappointment felt by the party,” she said.
“I believe this is because they know from the moment I was elected I have tried my absolute best to be loyal, representative of One Nation values wherever possible and to grow the party.
“Without being within the political arena it may be challenging to understand that there have unfortunately also been times where the stigma of the party has prevented advocacy outcomes or relationships.
“I’m devoted... for the remainder of my term and want to do my best without those restrictions.”
Her mother said she didn’t “feel the same now, there’s other reason than the time has come”.
“Although I would have liked a future with the party I am glad to relieve the pressures on my daughter and allow her to follow the path she sees as most effective,” she said.
Senator Hanson was unavailable for comment.
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